Relocating the UK can be a daunting prospect for clinicians looking to work in the NHS. Deciding which area to live in can be especially difficult, especially as international doctors may not have the opportunity to visit the city they will call home before moving. In this blog, we will outline what life in Birmingham is like.
Birmingham is in the heart of the West Midlands, offering a great balance of urban and rural living. There are several areas, and Trusts, to choose from in Birmingham.
Working as an NHS Clinician in Birmingham
Birmingham offers excellent opportunities for clinicians looking to move to the UK. There are several NHS Trusts in the area, each specialising in different medical fields – so there are plenty of opportunities for specialisation and career progression.
One of the largest trusts in the area, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, is renowned for its world-class research and cutting-edge technologies. The Trust specialises in cardiovascular medicine, trauma and orthopaedics, transplant surgery, oncology and neuroscience.
Sandwell and West Birmingham Trust provides comprehensive care to 530,000 patients across a range of specialties. The Trust provides emergency, acute and community healthcare, as well as specialised services; for example, cardiology, respiratory medicine, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and geriatric medicine.
Birmingham is also home to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, providing mental health services for adults, children and the elderly. The Trust is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care, and offers opportunities for clinicians specializing in psychiatry, psychology and related fields.
Living in Birmingham
Birmingham is a large city and offers a diverse range of areas to suit different lifestyles and preferences.
Living in the city centre offers plenty of entertainment, food and shopping, as well as cultural attractions. The city centre also provides excellent transport links, making it a great choice for those who need easy access to public transport.
Other areas of Birmingham, such as Edgbaston, Moseley, and Harborne, are known for their greenery and proximity to the city’s universities. Edgbaston and Harborne both benefit from proximity to excellent schools, making these areas a good choice for clinicians looking to move with their families.
Cost of living in Birmingham
Though the cost of living has risen across the UK, the cost of living in Birmingham is lower than in other major cities. The estimated cost of living in Birmingham is around 50% less than in London, with average rent for a one-bed flat in the city centre being £825.57.
Urban and Rural Life
There are plenty of rural spaces in Birmingham, with the city offering several large parks and small villages. Areas to visit include Stourbridge, Solihull and Lichfield.
Birmingham is a diverse and bustling city, with plenty to do and see. There is great shopping in Birmingham, and the city is famous for the Bullring, the city’s largest shopping centre. There is also vibrant nightlife and restaurants, as well as several museums and cultural heritage sites to explore.
Schools and Education
Many clinicians looking to relocate to the to the UK will need to make sure they find the right school or childcare for their children. Many state funded schools allow admission based on whether you live in specific ‘catchment areas’, so it is important to consider schooling when you are looking at accommodation.
There are plenty of both state-funded and private schools to choose from in Birmingham. To find more information on local schools, you can look at Ofsted reports that detail the teaching quality and facilities of the schools you are interested in.
Things to do in Birmingham
Birmingham and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of activities.
In the city centre, you can explore the jewellery quarter – home to numerous jewellery shops, museums and galleries. The Bullring offers more shops, and the city centre is home to several cafes and restaurants.
Birmingham is also known for its large outdoor spaces, with walking and hiking routes. There are several local sports teams you can join to meet new people.
Transport
Birmingham is in the centre of the UK and is well-connected to several other cities. There are regular trains to London, as well as local railways lines which make travelling both within Birmingham and outside of Birmingham easy. There are local bus routes, as well as trams. Walking and cycling are also popular in the city.
Relocating to Birmingham as a Clinician
Remedium has worked with over 80 NHS trusts to support over 3,500 clinicians make the move to the UK – and we know moving abroad can be daunting – which is why we are here to support you every step of the way. We have great opportunities both in Birmingham and in the rest of the UK.
If you are an internationally educated clinician looking to move to the UK to work in the NHS, get in touch today!
