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Cambridge calls for rigorous English testing of all overseas doctors in the UK health system

09 April 2010

Cambridge ESOL, the UK's largest provider of English language tests, has welcomed the House of Commons Health Committee's call for more rigorous assessment of overseas doctors' language skills. The report entitled “The use of overseas doctors in providing out-of-hours services” calls for more systematic English language testing for doctors from the European Economic Area.

CEO of Cambridge ESOL, Dr Michael Milanovic says, “Doctors are in the frontline when it comes to delivering critical public services. It is absolutely paramount that they read, write, speak and understand English to a high level so that they can communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.”

“Currently the General Medical Council (GMC) conducts language assessment on non EU healthcare staff using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), one of the world's most effective English language tests. This has ensured that the majority of the professionals working in healthcare have an excellent standard of English. As the Committee has rightly pointed out, current EU legislation prevents the GMC from conducting systematic tests on doctors from the EEA. We believe that a national scheme, based around reliable internationally recognised qualifications would increase public confidence and help to prevent further tragic accidents.”