Doctors whose English is not up to scratch could be struck off amid fears that patients lives are at risk.
There have been calls for stronger language testing since the death of David Gray in Cambridgeshire in 2008.
He was killed by German doctor Daniel Ubani who gave him ten times the normal dose of diamorphine. It later emerged Ubani had failed an English test just weeks before he was offered work.
Plans - to be unveiled today - would also see senior medics ordered
to ensure that all staff at their organisations have adequate language
skills.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said the moves - being put out for consultation - would help protect patients.
It is absolutely crucial that we get this right.– Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley
Clearly if a doctor can't speak proper English then they won't be able to communicate effectively with their patients. It can also lead to situations where doctors put patients' safety at risk.
We will create a legal duty that will mean doctors in hospitals and in the community will have to ensure that anyone hired is able to speak English and is suitably qualified and experienced for the role.
This will create proper accountability and will leave no-one in any doubt about our desire to protect patients.
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