Scottish Government trials Global Citizenship posts – A new way of working
6 June 2019
In 2016 The Scottish Government set out proposals for encouraging the nation to be more outward looking and as such established a Global Citizenship programme.
Global Citizenship is all about understanding the pressing issues facing our world and working collaboratively at home and abroad to come up with constructive solutions. In recognition that it would be highly beneficial for a two-way exchange between people working in the NHS Scotland and those in the developing world, Global Citizenship posts for healthcare staff have been created.
After lengthy discussions it has been agreed that one such Global Citizenship post could be developed around a visiting ophthalmology service commitment to the Western and Northern Isles of Scotland but based in the Eye Department of NHS Highland in Inverness. These newly created posts represent a formalised structure for those already taking time out to contribute to global health work in developing countries.
Amidst the pressures of the modern NHS, it is an opportunity, for staff working in remote areas of the country, to benefit from experiences gained overseas which can enhance local service delivery. The priority countries are Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and Pakistan.
Whilst the exact details of how the scheme would work are being finalised including awaiting an approved job description, early expressions of interest should be directed to Dr Andrew Pyott at Andrew.pyott@nhs.net or via the Eye Department at Raigmore Hospital, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3UJ
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists remains committed to its Royal Charter aim to deliver ‘further instruction and training in ophthalmology both in the United Kingdom and abroad’. Through the RCOphth International Sub-Committee, we strive to address the shared challenges facing eye-care and pool our collective knowledge globally. Global Citizenship working in healthcare is a valuable route to achieving this aim.