AIBU?
to think that doctors should speak English?
Laquitar · 21/04/2011 20:54
I had to see a different doctor today and she was not speaking english. Well she did but very bad. Even i was 
with her grammar fgs and my english grammar is bad.
We had to repeat everything 4-5 times, very hard to communicate.
I dont care if the taxi driver speaks english or not, ditto the dry cleaner, the store cashier etc. But can you trust the doctor when she doesn't speak english?
Bex22 · 21/04/2011 20:58
I think the issue is that it is really important that you understand what the doctor is saying- I don't particularly care about grammar or accent but the words need to be clear. We have had the problem several times, like you, where doctors have such strong accents that you can't understand the majority of what they are saying, let alone the medical terminology. Let's face it, this could be vital info that you're missing also!
cookcleanerchaufferetc · 21/04/2011 20:59
It is completely unacceptable as there may be incorrect information given or understood. Whilst in the majority of cases I am sure it is just inconvenient there have been cases where a death has been the result. Anyone working with the public should speak fluent English, regardless of the profession.
) but I think YABU because I'm just grateful they are seeing me - and I don't have to pay more than my taxes.MrsBananaGrabber · 21/04/2011 21:05
When I was pregnant with DS1 10 years ago I was taken into a side room after a scan to be given some news (turned out to be nothing) and the doctor that had to explain the problem had a very strong accent, so much so that he had an nurse with him to help us understand what was being said, he was sweet enough but I felt it was inappropriate.
Bex22 · 21/04/2011 21:07
Think people are being a little bit hyper-analytical- I think it's a reasonable comment to begin with. Passing an English language test is very different from using language in an everyday context, and I don't think this is putting down the NHS for the sake of it at all. It is a valid criticism of a very small minority of doctors, but as CCC says, it has sometimes been cited as a cause of medical negligance.
Whatevs · 21/04/2011 21:08
The (Indian) doc that dealt with me after DD was born barely spoke English. he still managed to be lovely, caring, picked up DD's jaundice and ascertain the fact I needed a blood transfusion almost instantly. He was generally the most caring and lovely doctor.
Language needn't always be a barrier.
CristinaTheAstonishing · 21/04/2011 21:11
From the GMC's website here some of the situations were you may be exempt from the language test: "Your course of study was taught and examined solely in English
and
At least 75% of any clinical interaction which took place as part of your course of study (including personal contact with patients, their families and other healthcare professionals) was conducted in English."
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