Having left his native India to study and work in the United Kingdom, Dr Joji Kuriakose is well-placed to speak about the pros of living in North East Lincolnshire and working at an organisation like NAViGO.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Dr Joji Kuriakose and I’m a consultant psychiatrist for NAViGO’s East Community Mental Health team.
After gaining my MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in India, I decided to come to the United Kingdom to complete a postgraduate certification. I completed my MRCPsych (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) qualification and after that gained my Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). Coming to the United Kingdom helped me to do my Diploma in Psychology and Medicine at the University of Cardiff and allowed me to get my Diploma in Mental Health from Queens University in Belfast.
Why did you choose to come and work in the UK?
I thought that it was a good idea to come here to gain the qualifications and experience the world-class psychiatric services.
Why NAViGO? What makes it a great place to work?
I would say it is a very patient-centred service. We have great protocol and guidelines to manage patients. There are clear pathways, adequate staffing and plenty of resources to look after service users.
How do you find the management style within NAViGO?
The higher levels of management are very approachable and supportive and that makes a big difference when you are working in what can be a very stressful role. The working environment is fantastic too.
What are the best things about living in North East Lincolnshire?
Grimsby is a small town and it is very close to the sea. It is also near to other major cities, like Leeds and Manchester, both of which have international airports.
There is also Humberside Airport, which is very close to Grimsby, as well. From there, you can travel to mainland Europe.
What are the local schools like?
From year seven onwards, your children can go to grammar school and there are two of them to choose from in the local area. That’s a selection that you might not get in other cities. Overall, Grimsby is a brilliant place to live.
How will NAViGO help international recruits settle in North East Lincolnshire?
It is interesting that NAViGO travelled to India in 2019 and 2020. They have carefully looked at the needs of consultants coming to the UK from other countries and NAViGO is willing to support them and their family.
What makes NAViGO a good choice for international recruits?
When consultants or medics move to the UK, they need care and support for their spouses and their children to settle in school. NAViGO are willing to provide that support and advice and have helped doctors with housing, travel and all of the essential requirements to make the move as smooth as possible.
There are colleagues from many different countries working within NAViGO. There are people from India, Pakistan, Poland, other parts of Europe and the Middle East. Newcomers to the area can get practical advice and tips to help them to settle and live in North East Lincolnshire.