News

2nd December 2002

John Bowis MEP visits Harrow and warns that patients' safety put at risk by EU Directive

John Bowis - Conservative Member of the European Parliament for Harrow & the London region – visited Harrow on Sunday 1st December 2002 and criticised the proposed EU directive on professional qualifications, arguing that it will put patients in Harrow at risk and undermine public health. Under the proposals debated in the European Parliament, medical workers from anywhere in the EU would be able to practise in the UK for up to 16 weeks before the authorities could check their qualifications and disciplinary record.

Speaking from the Conservative Offices, Village Way, Pinner, John Bowis, who has been appointed by the Parliament to write an Opinion on the Commission's proposals, said, “This directive would put patients at risk across the EU. Under the plans, any future Dr Harold Shipman’s from mainland Europe, would be able to practice in Harrow or any other part of the UK for up to 16 weeks before being subject to the regulation of British authorities. To encourage freedom of movement is one thing, but to give rogue and incompetent doctors the freedom to cause harm is another.”

John Bowis continued, “In order to give patients the confidence and reassurances they need, I have called for the directive to include the right of each Member State to have more stringent checks on healthcare professionals who wish to work in the UK. I also called for the setting up of an EU wide database of disqualified healthcare professionals. Whilst I recognise that the vast majority of healthcare professionals are highly dedicated and committed, proper enforcement of effective checks are needed to give patients in Harrow the safeguards that they need.”