Calls for better monitoring of doctors’ track records across Nordic borders look set to be answered. By the end of the year, it won’t be so easy for “dangerous” doctors who have caused patient injuries in one country to be able to work in another.
Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) has run a series of reports in recent weeks on doctors who have a long list of patient complaints against them, but manage to get a job at another hospital or clinic in another Nordic country. Until now, the medical boards in each country have generally accepted each other’s licenses or qualifications without major review.
This week, health ministers from each Nordic country agreed on a system to prevent doctors with complaints from being hired with no review. Until now, hospitals haven’t been able to gain access to such records of complaints.
“We are satisfied with this increased and reciprocal openness that will strengthen patient security,” said Norwegian Health Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen.
The stricter reviews will also apply to dentists, nurses and other authorized health care personnel.
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