Doctors happy to settle in Swansea Bay

Swansea Bay is fast becoming the destination of choice for doctors from at home and abroad.

Last year saw the arrival of 157 new doctors, including 79 from overseas.

The health board’s efforts to showcase the positive work life balance, together with the training and professional opportunities afforded those working in the area, appears to be paying off.

Pictured: newly arrived doctor Mohammed Addin

Debbie Eyitayo, Swansea Bay’s Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, said the pleasing trend was the result of careful planning.

She said: “Over the last few years we've been quite proactive and carried out some successful targeted recruitment work particularly to fill some hard to recruit to posts.”

These endeavours are being helped by positive feedback from existing staff.

She said: “One of our strengths is that opportunities in Swansea Bay UHB are being promoted by word of mouth.

“The doctors who like working here speak positively about the organisation to their peers.

“In addition to our overseas doctors, we are attracting doctors from across Wales and the rest of the UK.

“We appointed 157 doctors in the financial year 2022-23, of which 79 were recruited from overseas.”

Phillipa Hughes, Senior Medical Workforce Advisor, agreed.

She said: “I think we have a good reputation and there is word of mouth from the doctors who are coming to us - they feed back to friends and colleagues. I think that really does help. They look to come and work here as well.”

Phillipa said the UK was still an attractive place for doctors to come.

She added: “A lot of overseas doctors are looking to come to the UK to expand their training or to consolidate the training they already have.

“There are lots of shortages, so there are obviously plenty of jobs across the UK available for them at the moment - but we are proving successful in attracting our fair share.”

Branwen Cobley, Deputy Medical HR Manager, said support was in place to help new arrivals get up to speed.

She said: “We support the individual and encourage them to attend teaching and training opportunities that are in place for our training doctors.

“We look at the previous experience the doctor has had and develop an induction package which will support them during their time with us.

“I think that is what's attractive about Swansea Bay.”

Mohammed Addin joined Morriston Hospital’s cardiology department in September having made the difficult decision to leave his home country of Yemen in a bid to enhance his medical training.

The 32-year-old said: “What immediately captivated me about joining this team was the presence of numerous consultants renowned for their expertise at Morriston Hospital.

“The entire experience was nothing short of exceptional.

“It all started with impeccable communication and unwavering support.

“The recruitment team has shown exceptional support; promptly addressing my inquiries throughout the recruitment process, managing occupational health requirements to assisting with ID checks, contract details, and displaying remarkable flexibility regarding working hours.

“They demonstrated a commitment to ensuring a seamless on boarding experience. They also provided me with career progression insights and flexibility with rotations.”

Mohammed said he now wholehearted endorsed Swansea Bay as “a remarkable place to work”.

He said: “To my colleagues and peers considering their next career move, I would enthusiastically recommend becoming part of this dynamic and supportive health board.”