To help you get started with life in Milton Keynes, our International team have put together a useful checklist of things you should do:
Get Your National Insurance Number
To qualify for certain state benefits and the State Pension, you must make monthly National Insurance (NI) contributions which are deducted from your salary each month. You will be given a personal NI Number.
Most NI Numbers are given out with BRP cards. When you collect your BRP card, check to see if you have been assigned an NI Number – if not, you will need to apply for one using the government website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
Register with a Doctor
You will need to register with a doctor – known as a GP – as soon as possible, especially if you are taking medication that needs a prescription. You will not need to pay to see a doctor as this is covered by the National Insurance contributions you make. It is important to register with a GP in your local area as soon as possible as surgeries can be extremely busy. Some doctors in the area include:
• Fishermead, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK6 2LR | 01908 609240
• Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre, 68 Bradwell Common Boulevard, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK13 8RN | 01908 605775
• The Grove Surgery, Farthing Close, Netherfield, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK6 4NG | 01908 295700
• Ashfield Medical Centre, 1 Perrydown, Beanhill, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK6 4NE | 01908 679111
• Watling Vale Medical Centre, Burchard Crescent, Shenley Church End, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK5 6EY | 01908 501177
For more details visit: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/
Arrange Accommodation After 3 Months
As a new member of our team, you will be staying in hospital accommodation for 3 months. This will give you time to look for a rental property. As you will need to move out of your accommodation at the end of the 3-month period. Depending on your personal preference you can choose to rent a house or rent a room share in a house with other professionals.
As MKUH NHS are offering 3 months’ accommodation, you have ample time to find and secure alternative accommodation. We advise starting this search at least 4-6 week before you are due to move out of your initial accommodation.
Remember that the time between finding a property and moving in can be lengthy: estate agents and property owners will want to carry out reference checks. You should consider the cost too, as when securing a house, you will need a deposit plus 1 month’s rent in advance. If you opt for a room share the deposit tends to be lower as does the monthly cost. You will also need to consider if the property is furnished: if not, you will have to factor into your budget the cost of furnishing it.
Below are some links to assist you with renting or buying property:
• www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/Milton-Keynes.html
• https://rentola.co.uk/
• www.onthemarket.com/to-rent/property/milton-keynes/
• www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/houses/milton-keynes/
Open a Bank Account
As soon as you arrive in the UK it is very important that you register for a bank account. This can be difficult for people who relocate from overseas due to not having any proof of address. Some banks are understanding of this and offer different types of accounts for example, a basic account to get you started.
We have liaised directly with Barclays Bank on your behalf. The Bank provides an online system which lets you set up an account virtually – to speed up the process. To do so, you will need to download the Barclays App at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/om/app/barclays/id536248734
• Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.barclays.android.barclaysmobilebanking&hl=en_GB
Once you have accessed the App, go to ‘I’m new to Barclays’ and you will be guided through the process of opening either the Barclays Bank Account or Premier Bank Account.
The following may be useful to you:
• www.barclays.co.uk/current-accounts/what-do-i-need-to-open-a-bank-account/
• www.barclays.co.uk/moments/new-to-the-uk/
For more information on bank accounts, visit
• www.uswitch.com/current-accounts/
• www.expat.hsbc.com/accounts/products/bank-account/
• www.santander.co.uk/personal/current-accounts
• www.cashplus.com/current-account/
Setting up your New Mobile Phone Number
On moving to the UK, TTM Healthcare will send you a SIM Card, which you will need to register. Once you have done this, be sure to send your new UK number to TTM Healthcare and MKUH.
Health Checks in England
When you arrive in Milton Keynes, and to ensure you are fit to commence work, you will need to attend the Trusts Occupational Health Department.
This is a routine check for all new staff: be assured that it is very rare for someone to be found ‘unfit’. However, should you not pass the health check, you would not be allowed to commence employment and would need to return to your home country.
Please note that you will be swabbed for COVID-19 on arrival. If you are not vaccinated against COVID-19, the Trust will provide this free of charge. All staff are encouraged to take the vaccine.
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS FT Questions and Answers
Should I bring my family with me?
It is recommended that you make the move to Milton Keynes and gain your NMC registration before you bring your family to your new home. This will also give you time to find suitable accommodation.
You will be responsible for organising the Visa requirements for your family members which will be subject to Home Office requirements and approvals.
Can I bring food and spices with me to England?
When travelling from outside the EU, there are strict rules about bringing food products, plants and plant products into the UK for your own personal consumption or use.
On arrival, you will need to go through a Customs Clearance Check. Your luggage may be searched which leads to unnecessary delays in leaving the Airport and impacts the onward travel arrangements organized by the Trust. Please do not bring any food, spices or powders with you: if you do so they will be taken from you by Customs Officers.
Who do I contact in Case of an Emergency?
TTM Healthcare will always be there to support you throughout your time in Milton Keynes. While we hope this Welcome Pack will help you get settled, we also understand that issues can arise from time-to-time.
To return to the Milton Keynes homepage, click HERE.
