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CB/SF/ajb/20091217 FOI561 Perry |
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17 December 2009 |
Dan Perry
Dear Mr Perry
I am writing further to your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in which you ask a number of questions in relation to GP Language Tests.
Our Primary Care Contracts Manager has considered the questions you ask and our response is set out below:-
In line with General Medical Council Requirements, all International Medical Graduates seeking registration to work within the UK must firstly satisfy the General Medical Council of their English language proficiency prior to registration. The only exceptions, under European law are:-
National of member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) other than the UK.
UK national who are exercising their European Community (EC) rights of free movement with the EEA.
UK national and non-EEA national who are married to EEA national who are exercising their rights of free movement with the EEA.
In order to comply with the above, the applicant is required to submit an International English Language Testing System certificate (IELTS) which must have an overall score of 7.0, with minimum scores of 7.0 in speaking and 6.0 in listening, reading and writing or provide alternative evidence as detailed on the GMC website.
The Primary Care Trust therefore consider that all GPs from non-EEA who are granted registration with the GMC have met the necessary language requirements required in order to work within general practice.
For all GPs from a European Economic Area (EEA) who have not been vocationally trained in this country (and are exempt from the GMC's language requirements) it is a mandatory requirement as part of their application to join the Primary Care Trust's Medical Performers List to submit an IELTS test certificate with an overall score of 7.0, with minimum scores of 7.0 in speaking and 6.0 in listening, reading and writing. Without this documentation, the Trust will not process their application.
Page 2. 20091217 FOI561 Perry
Since the implementation of the Medical Performers List in 2004, Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust has never been challenged on their language requirements nor have they ever had an applicant refuse to submit the required documentation.
Yours sincerely
CHRIS BANKS
Chief Executive
NHS Cambridgeshire Headquarters: Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust - address as detailed above
Please reply to:
Lockton House
Clarendon Road
Cambridge
CB2 8FH
Switchboard: 01223 725400
Direct Tel: 01223 725585
Fax: 01223 725401
Email: [email address]
Website: www.cambridgeshire.nhs.uk