Written question asked by David Anderson (Labour) on Monday, 12 September 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 September 2011. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 October 2011 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Health Professions: Languages

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to ensure staff in the NHS have the necessary language skills to perform their duties.

Answer: The Department of Health in England has made it clear to all national health service employers that they should ensure that those they appoint have suitable skills and competence for the role, including the ability to communicate, and clear guidance has been provided on this issue. Primary care trusts also have a legal obligation to satisfy themselves that persons admitted to their performers lists have appropriate English language ability to provide primary care services.Steps have already been taken to strengthen the current system and as of 1 January 2011 all designated bodies must nominate or appoint a responsible officer with duties to check the qualifications and experience of doctors and to ensure that references are obtained and checked.We are continuing to work with the General Medical Council and we propose a stronger role for responsible officers which will build on their existing duties,We are also working with other regulatory bodies, to explore what scope there is for strengthening local checks on other health professions.

Secondary information