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News: Speaking the same language

02 June 2010

GMC pushes for change in 'profoundly unsatisfactory' language competence

The GMC is calling for a change to the legislation that prevents it from ensuring that the language and skills of doctors from the European Economic Area (EEA) are up to standard.

Niall Dickson, Chief Executive, gave oral and written evidence to an inquiry by the House of Commons Health Select Committee into the use of overseas doctors in providing out-of-hours services in March. In his evidence, Niall said: ‘The current situation is profoundly unsatisfactory. We are not able to give the level of assurance we want because of the present legal framework.’

In its report following the inquiry, the Health Select Committee called on the Government to urgently seek to make the necessary changes to the European Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications to allow the GMC to undertake the systematic testing of language skills of doctors from the EEA.

Niall Dickson welcomed the Committee’s report, stating that patient safety must always take priority and that the GMC will continue to work with the Department of Health (England) and the EU to secure the necessary changes to legislation – which also included UK legislation.