HSE to create more ‘observer’ roles for Ukrainian refugee doctors in Ireland

Hundreds of Ukrainian doctors who have fled to Ireland since their country was invaded are to be allowed “observe” in Irish hospitals while waiting to be registered to practise here.

The Health Service Executive says it is developing a plan to allow doctors awaiting registration to undertake supervised “observerships” in hospitals and other health services across the country.

The new roles are unpaid and those taking part will not be able to work as doctors or provide patient care because they are not on the register maintained by the Medical Council. The role will be “closely restricted,” according to a HSE spokesman.

However, he says it is exploring options to expand the use of Ukrainian doctors as translators, clerical staff and in other health roles that do not require registration.

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Language proficiency

The HSE has had contact with about 240 Ukrainian doctors who have travelled here since Russia invaded last March and who have provided details about their experience, English language proficiency and current addresses.

These have been put in contact with postgraduate training bodies and advised about engaging with the Medical Council.

“For many doctors arriving from Ukraine, the immediate challenge is to obtain the necessary English-language proficiency. We know many are learning English,” a HSE spokesman said.

St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin is one of the hospitals that has already begun an observership programme. On Friday, 20 refugee doctors from Ukraine were presented with certificates marking their completion of a two-week stint in the hospital.

‘Amazing people’

“They are amazing people and we are lucky to have them in our country. A few speak perfect English while others have virtually none. Some now believe they will never go back home,” said Prof Hugh Mulcahy who, along with Dr John Holian, chair of the hospital’s medical board, organised the programme.

Doctors from countries where medical qualifications are not mutually recognised with Ireland must demonstrate their proficiency in English and pass clinical exams before they can practise in Ireland. None is likely to complete their process until next year at the earliest.

Prof Mulcahy called on the Medical Council and the HSE to look at expediting the examination of the Ukrainian doctors so they can get registered to work in Ireland more quickly.

The Medical Council said it was committed to supporting Ukrainian doctors in Ireland and would provide further information to them shortly.

Doctors have been given access to HSE library services, been contacted by training bodies and provided with English language supports, a spokeswoman said.

Almost 50,000 Ukrainians have come to Ireland this year.