Summarised by Centrist
Waikato Hospital has banned nurses from speaking any language other than English with patients. The memo, aimed at reducing confusion and ensuring safety, has been criticised for targeting Indian, Filipino, and Pasifika nurses.
A doctor called the move “frankly disgusting,” accusing hospital management of victimising vulnerable workers who are already under extreme pressure.
Te Whatu Ora Waikato’s operations director Michelle Sutherland defended the policy, stating that the use of English in clinical environments is standard and necessary for safety. She added that the Nursing Council only recognises English, Te Reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language as official languages. Critics argue the policy reeks of systemic racism and is a “stretch too far,” with no reported issues linked to nurses speaking other languages.
The timing of the memo is being questioned as Waikato Hospital recently hired thousands of international nurses, while other nurses struggle to secure work after spending thousands on proving their English proficiency.
Editor’s note: There are two sides to this. For example, an Indian nurse or doctor is not going to be speaking to a European patient in Hindi. The key issue arises when health workers need to communicate with other clinicians, and a common language is necessary for clarity. If the patient doesn’t speak English, someone must brief them to ensure informed consent. AI voice recorders could help bridge communication gaps and keep a record of interaction.
However, side conversations about a patient in a foreign language, in their presence, are unacceptable. Clinicians who are not fluent in English should not be working in the hospital.
Image: Thomas Hawk
