Singelberg Clinic

Language test for foreign nurses

Solving the  shortage of nurses by attracting foreign workers is not a goal of the Flemish policy, but it is a reality that the Flemish government must cope with.

Several MPs asked the Flemish Minister of Health and Welfare questions about the circumstances in which foreign nurses are employed. MP Griet Coppe (CD & V) enquired also about the knowledge of the dutch (flamish) language.
Minister Jo Vandeurzen surveyed 1236  hospitals, residential care centers and nursing services. There were 443 responses  (35.8%). This showed that 18.7% of these institutions had employed foreign nurses. In a small third there are  more than two people employed.
The answer shows that nurses are particularly citizens of   Romania (34.1%), Poland (30.6%) and  the Philippines (16.5%).

The knowledge  the dutch languague of foreign nurses is generally seen as insufficient.  In half the cases, the institutions organized an additional language training at the arrival of the employee. For one fifth of the institutions the lack of this knowledge is  a reason for not attracting more workers from abroad.
Minister Vandeurzen ordered  the Agency for Care and Health  to investigate  whether a language test is possible alongside the Constitution and European regulations.

Ms. Coppe underlines the importance of a good communication in the healthcare sector. "A language test may not punish  the rights of  a vulnerable workforce."