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While choosing a healthcare career undoubtedly is a big decision, the place of practice may make all the difference. If you’re confused and want to make a clear choice between healthcare in Ireland vs the UK, you might be surprised at the advantages the Emerald Isle has to offer.
From supportive work environments to high living standards, all exist in the Irish healthcare sector. If you want to know why working in healthcare in Ireland beats the UK, look no further.
In this article, we’ll be discussing why healthcare professionals choose to work in Ireland over the UK. These insights shall help you make informed decisions while evaluating healthcare jobs in Ireland vs. the UK.
Healthcare in Ireland vs UK: Side-by-Side Comparison
Many healthcare professionals aim to work in the United Kingdom because it has been known to be highly compensating and has good living standards. However, they might not know that Ireland is a better country for health workers both in professional and financial growth and living standards.
With the increased aging population, there has been a high demand surge for healthcare workers; it is asserted that by the year 2035, Ireland will require over 15,000 healthcare workers.
The country does not only offer the highest number of job opportunities but the living standards are also quite high compared to the UK. According to the HDI (Human Development Index) ranking, Ireland stands at seven while the UK remains at position 15.
Let’s see some more reasons to choose Ireland:
Earn Healthy Compensation
It is the compensation rates that make Ireland stand out in the healthcare career. This is contrary to the UK, where pay scales are variable and lower than the Irish healthcare system. In Ireland, you will get competitive pay that often includes benefits like bonuses and allowances for employees. This means that you can be certain to earn a salary commensurate with your skills and experience.
On average, doctors earn between €95,000 and €150,000 in Ireland annually. The salaries of GPs can go higher, ranging from €100,000 to €130,000. Nursing salaries can be somewhere between €30,000 and €60,000, and experienced or specialized nurses can make even more than that.
These salary ranges are lower than average healthcare workers receive in the UK.
Ensure a Good Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is getting more and more important for workers. Especially, millennials and the Gen Z workforce are emphasizing this.
The need to balance mental and physical health along with a full-time job is important. It’s also necessary to spend time with family and friends and pursue other things outside work. On work-life balance, Irish workers are happy compared to the average of the European Union.
8 out of 10 healthcare workers in Ireland have said they were satisfied with their jobs and are optimistic about their future.
Work in a World-Class Healthcare System
You will have an opportunity to be a part of the world-class healthcare system of Ireland.
In the ranking for the world’s healthcare systems, Ireland was at 23 and the United Kingdom at 34. This means that those living in Ireland have a better healthcare system compared to the people of the UK.
By choosing Ireland, you can also be a part of this leading healthcare system and grab great learning opportunities.
Enjoy a Better Quality of Life
Most of the people move to a new country in search of a better life. The quality of life may vary from person to person and it comprises several factors. A good example would be the cost of living.
One study claims that Dublin is better than any city in the UK in terms of quality of life. That includes the capital London, too.
The cost of living in Dublin is lower compared to London, so one can ensure saving for the future.
Key Things to Consider Before Moving
So now you might have decided your desired work country and that’s Ireland, right? Well, you have made a good decision, but you must consider some things before relocating.
Here are some tips to make your relocation easy and trouble-free:
Understand the Healthcare System
First of all, it is important to understand how the system works in Ireland. It has a two-tier health system: public and private. The latter system is the Health Service Executive (HSE), which manages care funded through taxation. It’s comprehensive, although the waiting times for some treatments are longer compared to the private sector. Whereas the private sector provides access more quickly at a cost.
Familiarize yourself with the differences that both systems can bring about in your role and the implications for patient care. Knowing this will guide you to adapt to a new work environment.
Know the Registration Requirements
Before taking up work in Ireland, you will have to confirm that you comply with all the relevant registration and licensing requirements. Confirmation of your qualifications may be required by the Irish Medical or Nursing Board. This process is hassle-free, but it is advisable to commence it at the earliest to avoid delays.
Keep in mind that specific healthcare professions will have varying requirements, so you should verify with the concerned regulatory body.
Look at Cultural Differences
Though there are a few cultural similarities between the Irish and UK residents, there are a few differences, too. Knowing these cultural nuances is going to help you in blending into the new surroundings more effectively.
While English is the predominant language, you can also hear Irish Gaelic in certain areas. You don’t necessarily have to learn Gaelic; however, a dash of knowledge will improve your experience.
Find Suitable Accommodation
Housing in Ireland differs according to the location you choose. The best advice is to start looking early, no matter if you want a city apartment or a house in the countryside. Search engines can be useful for browsing available properties.
Also, consider the distance to work, the available public transportation, and what kind of community surrounds you. If possible, it would be good to visit Ireland before making a move, getting a more significant sense of the different neighborhoods, and finding a place that will fit with your lifestyle and work needs.
FAQs on Healthcare in Ireland vs UK
Q1. Does Ireland have the equivalent of the NHS?
The Health Service Executive (HSE) of Ireland is similar to the United Kingdom’s NHS, or National Health Service. It manages public healthcare and social services for everybody living in the Republic of Ireland.
Q2. What is the quality of health care in Ireland?
83% of patients admitted to a public hospital rated their experience as good/very good. 82% of the population in Ireland rated their health as good or very good, which is the highest in the EU.
Q3. Can a UK-registered doctor work in Ireland?
All doctors looking to practice in Ireland need to be registered with the Irish Medical Council and have the right to work.
Conclusion
Choosing healthcare in Ireland over the UK can be a smart move for several reasons. The first reason is that Ireland has a great healthcare system with a supportive work environment. It offers all kinds of modern facilities and innovation culture, hence there is a wide range of opportunities for career growth.
The work-life balance in Ireland is also a major perk. Many healthcare professionals enjoy more reasonable working hours and greater flexibility compared to the UK. Plus, the warm and welcoming culture makes it easier to settle in.If you have made up your decision and are ready to relocate to Ireland, trust CSE Connect to find healthcare jobs. Contact us today!
Esther San Emeterio Garciandía
Esther holds a degree in Philosophy and Arts, specializing in Education Sciences, from the University of Navarra, Spain. She has completed two years of training as a transpersonal therapist at the Transpersonal Development School (EDT). With 30 years of experience at Colegio Santa Magdalena Sofía, FESB, Esther has taken on roles such as Educational Counsellor and held various management positions for 14 years, including the last 8 years as Principal General Manager. She is also a staff trainer and currently the Director of Human Resources at CSE Connect.