18.04.12
Foreign doctors could be language-tested
Government plans to improve NHS language skills could see doctors with inadequate levels of English struck off, health secretary Andrew Lansley has announced. The plans are now out for consultation.
Under the proposals, all Responsible Officers would work with the General Medical Council (GMC) to ensure that all staff at their organisations have adequate language skills.
It is currently against EU law to systematically test EU doctors when they register to work, although doctors from outside the EU have to undergo strict language tests before working in theUK.
Lansley said: “It is absolutely crucial that we get this right. Clearly if a doctor can’t speak proper English then they won’t be able to communicate effectively with their patients. It can also lead to situations where doctors put patients’ safety at risk.
“We will create a legal duty that will mean doctors in hospitals and in the community will have to ensure that anyone hired is able to speak English and is suitably qualified and experienced for the role. This will create proper accountability and will leave no-one in any doubt about our desire to protect patients.
“We need to bring some common sense back and ensure that if a doctor is judged not to have the language skills to be able to work properly or safely in the NHS that they can be suspended or removed from the register.
“We must be able to take action to protect patients if there are genuine concerns rather than just hoping for the best. So we will look to amend the GMC’s powers to make it easier for them to take action if concerns are raised about a doctor’s suitability.”
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the GMC, said: “This is a vital issue for patients - they must be able to have confidence that the doctor who treats them has the communication skills needed for the job.”
NHE has been covering the developing policy on language testing extensively in recent issues. To see our interview with Dr Mike Milanovic, the head of Universityof Cambridge ESOL Examinations, in our Jan/Feb 2012 edition, or with Nyla Cooper of NHS Employers in our March/April 2012 edition, subscribe at http://www.nationalhealthexecutive.com/subscribe.htm
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