Independent provider to sponsor 500 visas for Ukrainian refugees

Circle Health has said it will work with the government and the third sector to “remove bureaucratic barriers and move rapidly to offer a lifeline to individuals and families in need”.

It has said it will aim to employ Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war and offer clinical, administrative, engineering, logistics and project management positions.

Circle runs 54 hospitals across the UK and is one of the largest healthcare employers outside the NHS, with around 10,000 staff.

CEO Paolo Pieri said: “We want to offer jobs and a fresh start to Ukrainian refugees forced to flee from their homeland. We are eager to help in some small way and stand with the Ukrainian people in this moment of unspeakable suffering.”

According to the United Nations, almost three million people have left Ukraine following Russia’s invasion at the end of last month. 

The government has announced a number of visa routes for those wishing to come to the UK. According to Sky News, 4,000 visas have been issued under the Ukraine Family Scheme, which is for those with family in the UK.

For those without family in the UK, the government also expanded its visa sponsorship scheme at the start of the month. This has included waiving the usual requirements for salary and language tests.

HSJ has launched a healthcare leaders fund for Ukraine, where you can bid for different experiences, with all proceeds donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine humanitarian appeal.