IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please note that there have been changes in the regulations for issuing visas by UKBA and therefore we can only accept UK and EU nationals for incoming elective placements. Medical students as non EU nationals can now only enter the UK under the Tier-4 Points Based Scheme. This scheme can only be put in place by a University.
The Undergraduate Office at West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust
We are a small team of enthusiastic staff keen to encourage medical training based in the Education Centre. As well as co-ordinating the teaching for Imperial College London medical students, we can offer clinical attachments in a wide range of specialities (please see below) for incoming students from the UK and overseas. You will gain varied and wide experience in the care of patients in a dynamic and rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Please check on link below to find out whether your medical school is GMC recognised. If it is not recognised then your application will not be accepted.
http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/join_the_register/acceptable_primary_medical_qualification.asp
New: Check out our Elective's Experiences section, and let us know what you think of your time at West Mid!
FAQs
Q. Who can do an elective placement at West Mid?
A. Only final year medical students.
Q. How long can my elective placement last?
A. A maximum of 6 weeks in any speciality (with a max of 2 specialities per elective)
Q. I have a personal contact in the hospital, do I need to go through this process?
A. Yes, all students need to complete all the appropriate forms.
Q. What time of the year can I come?
A. For general medicine and surgery we would prefer elective students not to commence their placement during Induction Week of Imperial College London students. These dates change from year to year so see current dates on the Guidance for Electives document below.
Q. What specialities can the hospital offer?
A. We can offer elective placements in the following specialities but individual request can be made:
Medicine
Surgery
Accident & Emergency
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Orthopaedics/Musculoskeletal
Q. What experience can I expect to gain during my elective?
A. Due to current Department of Health regulation, overseas students outside of the EU are given observer status only.
UK or EU students may expect to be involved in the clinical care of patients but it is unlikely they will be able to perform many clinical procedures.
Q. What costs are involved?
A. Please click on link below to see the Occupational Health price list.
Q. How do I find out if I need a chest x-ray / mantoux test with Occupational health?
A. Applicants from countries where there is a high incidence of Tuberculosis will be required to have a chest x-ray and Mantoux test at West Middlesex University Hospital prior to commencing placement. (Clinics run every 2 weeks). High Tuberculosis incidence countries are those countries with more than 40 cases per 100,000 per year. These are listed on the health protection agency website (www.hpa.org.uk) and search for TB rate bands.
Q. Will I need to arrange my own health insurance?
It is obligatory for all non EU overseas elective students to obtain comprehensive health insurance to cover you during your stay. Proof of health insurance must be provided before you commence your elective placement. You are responsible for your own health insurance and you need to arrange the insurance before leaving your country. It is NOT possible for overseas students to purchase health insurance in the UK as you will be responsible for paying any costs in case of illness or accident.
EU elective students from any member state of the EU are entitled to free hospital services provided they have a European Health Insurance card which is obtainable from your local health authority.
Q. Will I be required to have liability insurance?
Students undertaking an elective placement will have no medico-legal cover from the hospital. If you are a non EU student you will be here as an OBSERVER ONLY unless your medical school will provide liability insurance cover or you have proof of private liability insurance.
If you have any further queries regarding elective placements at West Middlesex University Hospital please contact:
Bhavini Vaitha or Serena Kang
Undergraduate Office
Education Centre
Twickenham Road
Isleworth
Middlesex
TW7 6AF
E-mail: elective@wmuh.nhs.uk
