The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Call for foreign doctors review
A CALL has been made for a review of the recruitment of foreign doctors in Scotlandafterthe“shocking” caseofaPolish neurologist at Ninewells Hospital, who was sacked for being a danger to patients.
Dundee West Labour MP Jim McGovern was speaking after Dr WlodzimierzSzepielowlosthisclaimagainst NHS Tayside for unfair dismissal.
The 67- year- old former Polish armed forces medic scored 17.5% in an assessment, the lowest mark the doctor conducting the test had ever seen.
During a five-year investigation, one of Scotland’s most eminent doctors, Professor Charles Warlow, said Dr Szepielow “definitely did not measure up” to the standards expected of a UK consultant neurologist.
Mr McGovern, who is asking why Dr Szepielow was ever employed by NHS Tayside, said: “I was deeply shocked by the circumstances and worried about the future of patient trust in the NHS.
“With the majority of doctors who are struck off coming from overseas, we need to ensure that those migrating from abroad have the necessary skills to practise to the standard that we expect here in the UK.”
He added: “The Scottish Government must review recruitment standards in the Scottish NHS to ensure that patients have full confidence in the system.
“Migrant NHS workers do profound work across the UK and many are owed a debt of gratitude but the system failed in the case of Dr Szepielow.”
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said it operates within the agreed national framework for doctors practising within the UK.
The General Medical Council said that if doctors from other parts of the EU produce evidence of qualifications from recognised medical institutions in their home countries, these qualifications are accepted.
An employment tribunal rejected the wrongful sacking claim of Dr Szepielow and also ruled out his assertions he was the victim of sex, race and age discrimination.
Tribunal chairman CS Watt said the panel was entirely satisfied his contract was terminated because the neurology department at Ninewells Hospital was unable to provide the significant and prolonged but necessary supervision of Dr Szepielow.
Dr Szepielow, 67, of Westbank Road, Longforgan, was appointed consultant neurologist by NHS Tayside in May 2005 but complaints were soon received.
He was suspended in 2007 and referred to the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and then to Professor Warlow.
The General Medical Council imposed conditions, including a peer review. His performance was found to be so unacceptable that it could have led to the death of patients.
He was sent back for daily supervision at Ninewells but the department head believed that one-to-one supervision was necessary.
NHS Tayside concluded it was not possible to arrange so Dr Szepielow was dismissed.