A MOVE to make language tests easier for foreign nurses has been criticised by a patients voice group.

A review of the standards is set to take place which comes amid widespread shortages of nurses, with a recent drop in the numbers coming to the UK from EU countries.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which regulates more than 680,000 nurses and midwives, is now ‘gathering data and evidence’ about whether the standards should be changed.

Russ McLean, chairman of the Pennine Lancashire Patient Voices group, said: “The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has been very good and listened to patient’s concerns on this issue.

“It goes to other countries to meet the applicants in person and see what their language ability is like.

“However, the trust does not have any control over locum nurses who come in to cover shifts at the weekends and at night.

“That’s where the problems are with patients.

“Any relaxation of the rules could mean that more problems are caused and that would not be good news for patients.”

Last year the trust welcomed a group of nurses from the Philippines.

The Royal College of Nursing has warned any drop in standards could jeopardise safety.

Senior managers and commercial recruitment agencies are calling for a further weakening of the rules, to lower the pass score from seven to 6.5, on a nine-point system.

Christine Pearson, director of nursing at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We look forward to learning the outcome of the decision of the Nursing and Midwifery Council regarding language tests for staff recruited from overseas.

“The trust actively recruits nurses locally and internationally to ensure we maintain safe staffing levels on all our wards.

“We see a great benefit in the wealth of experience and the diversity that our staff from overseas bring.

“The nurses we employ undergo numerous assessments."