Nearly 300 newly qualified Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors are beginning their medical careers with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) this week, marking an important milestone for both the doctors themselves and the future of patient care across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The new cohort of 290 has joined Scotland’s largest health board as part of the UK Foundation Programme, which supports newly qualified doctors as they make the transition from medical school into clinical practice. Their arrival represents a significant investment in the future workforce and the continued delivery of safe, high-quality care for patients across NHSGGC.
To help them make that transition, the doctors have been taking part in a comprehensive induction organised by NHSGGC’s Directorate of Medical Education. Bringing together practical training, patient safety education and wellbeing support, the programme is designed to help doctors build the knowledge, confidence and skills needed for life in the NHS.
A key part of the induction is Immediate Life Support training, which helps prepare FY1 doctors for clinical emergencies. They are also shadowing experienced colleagues before formally beginning their placements, providing valuable opportunities to learn from multidisciplinary teams and gain first-hand experience of clinical practice.
For the first time, FY1 doctors have access to a dedicated digital toolkit through NHS Scotland’s Right Decisions service. The online resource provides easy access to induction materials, introductory videos, site information, practical toolkits and details of support services, giving doctors a single point of access to key information throughout their first weeks in post.
Alongside the formal training, doctors are being given opportunities to meet representatives from professional bodies, support services and staff networks from across NHSGGC, helping them establish connections and access guidance as they begin their careers.
Behind the scenes, the annual changeover is coordinated by NHSGGC’s Directorate of Medical Education, which supports doctors through induction, training and professional development as they progress through their careers.
Claire Harrow, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services at NHSGGC, said: “Welcoming a new cohort of FY1 doctors is always a special moment for the organisation and for the doctors themselves as they begin the next stage of their professional journey.
“These doctors represent the future of healthcare and will play an important role in caring for patients and communities across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. We are committed to providing a supportive learning environment that helps them develop the skills, experience and confidence needed to thrive throughout their careers.
“On behalf of everyone at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, I would like to wish them all every success in their new careers.”
