Clinical Attachments in the Midlands: Birmingham, Coventry, Derby and Walsall
The Midlands is one of the busiest regions in England for IMG doctors, with large teaching hospitals in Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, and many district general hospitals that rely on trust grade and clinical fellow doctors. Several Midlands Trusts publish a clear clinical attachment route. Others don't, so you'll need to approach consultants directly.
Quick answer: the Midlands Trusts with a published clinical attachment route include University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (free up to four weeks), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, and Walsall Healthcare. Most ask you to find a consultant supervisor first, then apply. For Birmingham hospitals without a scheme, email a consultant in your specialty and copy in the medical education team. Most attachments are observational and need PLAB, English language evidence, a police check and occupational health clearance.
Midlands Trusts with a published route
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS FT (East Midlands)
Requirements: PLAB 2 passed; a named UHDB consultant supervisor; GMC not required
Fee: free up to 4 weeks; £300 for more than 4 weeks
Length: up to 8 weeks (September to June)
How to apply: secure a supervisor, then complete the online form, with at least two months' notice
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (West Midlands)
Requirements: international doctors applying for jobs or preparing for PLAB 2; GMC not required
Fee: unpaid, non-contact observership; an occupational health processing fee may apply
Length: usually 4 to 6 weeks
Note: at the time of writing UHCW says it's only processing internal applications because of demand. Check its page for when external applications reopen.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust (West Midlands)
Requirements: no previous clinical attachment or NHS work; PLAB 1 and 2; IELTS 7.0 in all parts; graduated within 4 years; living in the West Midlands for the placement; visitor visa; two references; DBS or letter of good standing
Length: up to 12 weeks
How to apply: email the lead clinician in your specialty with your CV. If accepted, they refer you to the placement team. Processing takes 8 to 12 weeks, and no new applications are processed from June to October.
Birmingham: what to do
At the time of writing, we couldn't find an open, published clinical attachment programme for IMGs at Birmingham's large Trusts, such as University Hospitals Birmingham. Individual departments do host observers, usually through a consultant who agrees to supervise. Your best route is:
Find two or three consultants in your specialty on the Trust website.
Send each a short, personal email with your CV. Our consultant email templates show exactly what to say.
Copy in the Trust's medical education or postgraduate centre, who handle honorary contracts and checks.
Follow up once after 10 to 14 days.
If you're applying to Walsall, note that it asks applicants to live in the West Midlands during the placement, so Birmingham is a practical base.
Recent placements we arranged
We recently arranged clinical attachments in psychiatry and in respiratory medicine at NHS Trusts in the Midlands. Trust names are kept confidential.
Practical tips for the Midlands
Plan early: processing often takes two to three months, and some Trusts pause applications for part of the year.
Specialty matters: an attachment in the specialty you'll apply for helps your supporting statement and interview far more than a general one.
Jobs afterwards: Midlands Trusts regularly advertise trust grade and clinical fellow posts. Read our guide to NHS doctor grades and pay to see which level to apply for.
Want us to arrange it?
Our clinical attachment support service approaches hospitals for you and guides you through the paperwork. See also our NHS clinical attachment directory and our guides to Manchester and the North West, Yorkshire and London.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a clinical attachment in Birmingham?
Yes, but usually by approaching a consultant directly, because we couldn't find an open published programme at Birmingham's main Trusts. Walsall, Coventry and Derby are nearby Trusts with published routes.
Which Midlands Trust offers a free clinical attachment?
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton doesn't charge for attachments of up to four weeks.
Do I need PLAB for a Midlands clinical attachment?
Usually. Derby asks for PLAB 2, Walsall for PLAB 1 and 2, and Coventry for doctors preparing for or past PLAB 2.
How long does it take to arrange?
Allow two to three months for supervisor approval, checks and paperwork.
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