Mistrust of foreign doctors
02. mar. 2010 11.56 EnglishFollowing DR television news show 21 Søndag's exposés of the insufficient skills of some foreign doctors, a few patients are flat out refusing to be treated by non-Danish doctors, writes daily newspaper JydskeVestkysten. Doctors from Afghanistan, Iran, and other third world countries have particular difficulties winning the trust of patients.
The hospitals in Esbjerg, Aabenraa, and Kolding have found patients to be very sceptical of foreign doctors.
- Sometimes, we have somebody refuse to be treated by a particular doctor - both foreign and Danish doctors. But more people refuse foreign doctors, says CEO of the South West Jutland Hospital in Esbjerg, Bjarne Normark.
The scepticism also affects highly qualified doctors, as patients sometimes want to switch doctors once they see the foreign name on their notice form.
Still, medical director of the South Jutland Hospital, Henrik Villadsen understands patient concerns.
- It is crucial that patients trust the doctors that will treat them. If you don't trust the doctor you are standing across from, I can understand why you, as a patient, would be concerned, he says.
Translated by Martin Lamberth