Written question asked by Andrew Murrison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 February 2005. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 21 February 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress his Department has made in employing refugee doctors; what assistance is given to refugee doctors to enable them to (a) register and (b) practise in this country.

Answer: Dr. Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what progress his Department has made in employing refugee doctors; [214161] (2) what assistance is given to refugee doctors to enable them to (a) register and (b) practise in this country. [214168] Mr. Hutton: We have invested over £2 million in providing support, advice and training for refugee health professionals over the past four years. A significant amount of this funding has to gone to refugee doctors to help them develop their knowledge of the English language and their clinical skills. This investment has helped many refugee doctors pass the General Medical Council's English language and clinical competence exams, and therefore gain limited registration to practise medicine in the United Kingdom. Like everyone else, refugee doctors must then apply in open competition for posts in the national health service. We have invested in curriculum vitae and interview skills coaching and NHS induction courses to help refugee doctors become more competitive at application stage. We have also supported the development of a national career advice and information website for refugee health professionals through North East London strategic health authority. In addition to this, the NHS is making its own investment in the refugee workforce locally.

Secondary information