article_snippet: Debating the final stage of the legislation, health minister Dr Dan Poulter said: 'We all value the contribution that doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals from all over the world make to our NHS, but being able to speak and communicate to a good standard of English is essential to provide high quality and safe patient care. '
article_snippet: first shift in the UK providing out-of-hours cover, injected Mr Gray with 10 times the recommended dose of diamorphine.
article_snippet: In addition, an alarming 66 cases were investigated by senior NHS staff in 2011 after patients complained of inadequate treatment, citing language difficulties.
article_snippet: Health minister, Dr Poulter added: 'As a practising NHS doctor, I know the importance of good communication skills to ensure the very best patient care. '
article_snippet: And I have seen first hand when poor communication has let down patients. '
article_snippet: As a minister, I am pleased to be using my front line healthcare experience to give our healthcare regulators these important new language testing powers, which will benefit and protect patients and the public.'