English proficiency requirements to be introduced for doctors

The government is outlining strict new regulations that will prevent doctors who are unable to speak good English from practising in the NHS.

Plans announced by health secretary Andrew Lansley will give the General Medical Council (GMC) special powers to take action against any medical professionals who are not believed to be able to communicate properly with patients.

At present, the GMC is only able to scrutinise the language skills of doctors from outside the European Economic Area, with EU law preventing the vetting of those from within Europe.

The new proposals are designed to ensure that NHS patients always have access to doctors who they can understand and who can understand them.

Mr Lansley said: "There is considerable anxiety amongst the public about the ability of doctors to speak English properly … If you can't speak adequate English, you can't treat patients."

Earlier this month, the government pledged to improve care standards further through the introduction of the 24/7 non-emergency helpline service 111 from next year onwards.