Quarantine Diary

Day 1 in the UK

Landing at the Heathrow

Finally, I was here in the UK as a Doctor. Once I landed at Heathrow, I went straight to the Immigration desk area of the UK border agency. There I showed my passport, had the biometrics taken, submitted the passenger locator form, and headed towards the baggage claim area. Be sharp and truthful to the immigration officer. Though this time, unlike for the PLAB 2, I was not asked a lot of questions. Make sure you have a hard copy of the passenger locator form with you. Failure to produce this will lead to a hefty fine. The form can be filled here 

https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

I already had my giffgaff sim card with 15£ monthly plan that had monthly 15GB internet with unlimited UK calls and SMS. If you don't have one, no need to worry, there are a lot of outlets at the airport where you can buy one.

Heading towards my hospital

I booked a cab straight to my hospital from Heathrow. I knew the train would have been a cheaper option, but with luggage and not a direct link from Heathrow to my hospital, it's always gonna be difficult. This was also not something I bothered a lot because I was getting reimbursed for my relocation expenses anyway. I asked for a taxi quote on this website ( https://www.mytaxe.uk ) and got the price that I was happy with. I should have asked for a quote a few days early, instead of doing it at the last minute to save around 10-15 pounds, however, I was getting it reimbursed anyway so didn't think much about it. In your case, if these are not coming under your relocation package, then make sure to take the quote a few days earlier to get it done at a cheaper price. Once done, there you go, a brand new Mercedes will be waiting for you in the car park building of Heathrow.

Arrival at the accommodation

Once I reached my hospital, I went straight to the main hospital's reception, mentioned my name, and got an envelope with my name in it. Enclosed inside were a key and a map with instructions on how to reach my accommodation. Always make sure that you are also making these prior arrangements, everything won't be sorted out if you don't ask for it. 

Then, after a 5 mins walk from the main hospital, I reached my house, and the first issue to solve was obviously - hunger. It was already around 8pm, so I ordered the food online. I downloaded the "Just Eat" app from here (https://www.just-eat.co.uk/info/apps) and ordered a coke, chicken biriyani, and some naan bread. It costed 10£ for me with the delivery made within 30 mins to my room (be careful in keeping the correct address with postcode here). The next thing after the food was a much-needed rest. I informed my family back home that I reached safely, and there you go my first day was over.

Day 2-14 in the UK

The next day I woke up, I felt too tired and jet-lagged. Then, I somehow felt that it's quite good that I am not starting work any sooner as I will be self-isolating.

Pandemic has hit the world in many ways, we as an IMGs in the UK are not spared as well. There was a time when the health care and key social workers were exempt from self-isolation after entering the UK but later on, the decision was reversed which means all the NHS workers should now isolate compulsorily until and unless their country is on the list of travel corridor that is exempted from this rule. The travel corridor list is available here - 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors#countries-territories-and-regions-on-the-travel-corridor-list

My country was not on that list, which means I had to self isolate myself as well. I emailed my trust's accommodation manager about this and they had provided me a complete house during my self-isolation for the first 14 days.

I got the food and essentials supply delivered directly from Sainsbury nearby. I also made a new account at Amazon (amazon.co.uk), which means I was getting Amazon Prime Subscription for a month for free. This is quite good for those self-isolating, as you will have Prime videos and movies running quite smoothly, along with the free delivery of any products at Amazon at a much faster pace (1-2 days Prime delivery). Shopping and getting every day something new and handy at my house also made me occupied, to make me feel less homesick.

The next few days were full of struggle. I was depressed and sad but tried remaining calm and composed as much as possible.  I did a lot of video calls with my parents, along with lots of yoga, meditation, and cooking to make myself engaged in something as much as possible.

I also emailed HR regarding my safe arrival, and they were kind enough to reply to this email by giving some ideas of places around. They also provided me a letter of proof of accommodation to open a bank account. The next few pieces of stuff I did during my quarantine was opening a Bank account online (here is the link-

https://sidukjourney.blogspot.com/p/opening-bank-account-in-uk.html), setting up an appointment with the occupational health department for occupational health clearance, and filling out the new starter form that was mailed by my HR.

I will soon update my blog on "my first week as a doctor in NHS".