Network set up to attract doctors to island

The aim of the Guernsey Medic Network is to attract doctors to work on the island

Health professionals have launched a network aimed at supporting training and encouraging doctors to work in the bailiwick.

The Guernsey Medic Network was set up to give people more information about healthcare in the island.

Its founders said membership was open to doctors with a link to Guernsey.

It also includes people who are prospective medical students, current students and professionals who support doctors.

The network was primarily funded by the Medical Specialist Group (MSG).

Pippa Read, a chemistry teacher at Elizabeth College who conceived the idea, said the network was an opportunity to share experiences among professionals.

She said: "We saw an opportunity to bring together all the wonderful support that is already offered by the medical partners for sixth formers in the island and develop this to maintain support for undergraduates and junior doctors, many of whom already are in touch with each other while off island."

Dr Steve Evans, chair of the MSG, said the aim was to attract high-quality doctors to the island.

"We can see this network making a significant difference, not just because it will help us attract doctors who have a Guernsey connection but also because it will encourage locally born doctors to be ambassadors for the island among their UK colleagues, even if they’re not ready to come back themselves," he said.

"I can also see the network opening up opportunities for young people locally who want to follow a career in medicine but who don’t have local contacts in the profession."

Anyone interested in joining the network was encouraged to visit the website.