Narva Hospital believes that hiring doctors who have studied in Estonian will resolve ongoing language proficiency issues among its staff.
Narva Hospital continues to face significant challenges regarding the language proficiency of its medical staff. According to hospital director Ãœllar Lanno, a breakthrough in addressing these language challenges will come with the arrival of doctors who have studied in Estonian. The National Language Office reports that complaints about the language skills of Narva Hospital employees are received on average once a month, with two complaints filed this week alone.
The last major language skills assessment at Narva Hospital was conducted a year and a half ago, revealing a dire need for language education, with 50% of hospital staff advised to receive language training. Astonishingly, up to 75% of doctors working at the hospital were found to have inadequate proficiency in Estonian. In response, Narva Hospital has been offering language courses for its staff for three consecutive years, with about a hundred medical workers participating in language training annually, although the most common level of proficiency attained is B1. There is a growing consensus that achieving advanced proficiency in Estonian requires not just courses but also an immersive language environment.
Furthermore, Ãœllar Lanno highlights the urgency of attracting Estonian-speaking doctors who also speak Russian, as bilingual practitioners would significantly alleviate communication issues. This situation underscores a broader trend in Estonia where the hospital system must evolve to better accommodate language diversity, ensuring effective patient care and communication. The interplay between language skills and patient-provider interactions is essential for improving healthcare services in a multicultural society like Narva.
