Calls for HSE English language fluency standards

There are calls on the HSE to introduce English language fluency standards for doctors from outside Ireland employed in the Republic of Ireland.

Donegal Councillor Mary Kelly has said she has been contacted by a number of people who claim not to have understood foreign national doctors that were treating them while in hospital.

The Sinn Féin representative has expressed her concern that a language barrier could lead to misdiagnosis.

Ms Kelly said: "It is important to say that it doesn't apply to all the doctors that have come here to work - it is some.

"Unless the doctor says something to them and they say 'pardon' or 'excuse me' - and they say it a second time or a third time; then they may then just say 'yes'.

"And they're not sure what they're answering.

"It could lead to a misdiagnosis I feel in some cases."