Patients ‘put at risk’ by language rule

IRELAND’S medical watchdog has warned that patients are at risk of serious medical mistakes because EU workforce rules mean common market doctors do not need to pass English language exams to work in this country.

In a letter sent to Health Minister Mary Harney on March 8, which has yet to receive a response, Medical Council of Ireland president Prof Kieran Murphy said the situation is risking patient safety and could lead to health service mistakes.

Prof Murphy, who is also a member of the group’s standards in practice and professional development committee, said doctors from outside the EU must pass an Academic International English Language Test before registering to work in Ireland.