and everything else you need to know about them!

What is a clinical attachment?

A clinical attachment is a short period of time (can be anywhere from a month up to a year) where a qualified medical graduate, i.e., having sat their PLAB 2 and in the process of getting GMC registered, is attached to a trust hospital in the NHS with the primary purpose of gaining NHS experience. 

Is it a requirement to work in the NHS?

Absolutely not! However, it helps boost your CV when applying for competitive specialities as your first NHS job. 

Does an attachment guarantee a job?

Unfortunately, no. As there is no such contract based on hiring terms. Although, some hospitals offer a job at the end of your rotation through an OSCE-style interview. With the popularity of clinical attachments, more and more hospitals are offering such opportunities, so keep an eye out if you are interested!

How do I arrange an attachment?

The best way is to contact HR, where they will guide you on how to contact consultants in departments you might be interested in. If you happen to know any consultants, you can always ask them directly as well. Note that, it’s important the consultant agrees to take you on as an observer for your attachment.

Some hospitals like Guy’s and St Thomas’ has a dedicated programme for IMGs. 

Some places you can apply:

• Chelsea and Westminster 
• Barts Health
• Guy’s and St Thomas’
• Moorfields
• Cambridge University Hospitals
• East Sussex
• Rotherham
• Ashford and St Peter’s
• Birmingham Women’s and Children’s
• Torbay and South Devon
• Bedfordshire

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the hospitals. Feel free to Google and contact absolutely any hospital at all that fits your preferences. 

When is the ideal time to do an attachment? 

Right after finishing PLAB 2 while applying for jobs or amidst PLAB 2 preparation. You will need to clear it up with the hospital to make sure you meet all the requirements. Most hospitals require GMC registration from candidates. However, some may allow it if you are in the process of getting one, i.e., have passed PLAB 1 and will be sitting for PLAB 2 in a month or so. Clinical attachments can be done on a visitor visa for PLAB 2. Planning ahead will take off a lot of the stress as there is no centralised system that lists the availability of attachments. Start preparing at least 4 months before your arrival in the UK. 

How much does it cost for an attachment? 

It varies between free and as much as £600/week. Most hospitals range from £200-400 for the entire length, with added occupational health fees and administration fees. On top of that, you will also have to pay for accommodation. Some hospitals may provide hospital accommodation for a fee, but if not you may have to arrange your own. It’s safe to say that one attachment can set you back about £1,000 for a month. 

What documents do I need to apply for an attachment?

How do I know if a clinical attachment is right for me?

Remember that a clinical attachment is not a must. There’s a lot to think about and consider before proceeding – the biggest one being finances. Attachments are not cheap and you should not feel pressured to do one by breaking the bank.

If you have had some clinical gaps or would like to get a feel of how the NHS works, an attachment should help you feel more confident about working in the NHS. 

How does a clinical attachment help me later on?

You get used to the NHS system and gaining some of that experience can highlight your CV. Moreover, building networks through meeting more doctors is always an upside. Having a local referee on job applications is another big plus. Besides, seeing how a certain speciality in the NHS you could potentially be interested in lets you be more decisive about your future speciality. 

And don’t forget, if you manage to impress your consultants during this period and end up applying for a job in the same trust, you are more likely to get hired over other candidates. 

If you have any further questions, please post them below!