GMC to check doctors’ English skills

The General Medical Council is to be given new powers to check the English-language skills of all doctors working in the UK, under government proposals.  At present it can only make language checks on doctors from outside Europe. A BBC reports said the government is carrying out a 12-week consultation on the changes. In April, the government created a national list of doctors who can treat NHS patients. GPs wishing to be included will have to demonstrate their ability to speak English. It also appointed senior doctors who have a legal duty to ensure all doctors in their local area