Nursing regulator ‘hampered by multiple organisational weaknesses’

Posted 11/04/2012

An interim review has been carried out by The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence following concerns about how the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) ensures NHS staff are fit to practise. The NMC, which regulates some 670,000 nurses and midwives, has acknowledged the “serious problems” and has accepted the report’s findings in their entirety.

Poor management is being blamed, in part, for the backlog of misconduct cases. There are, currently, around 4,000 outstanding cases, with real concerns being raised regarding patient safety whilst these outstanding matters are addressed. The NMC has also been advised to improve the way it oversees its finances and the need to focus on its regulatory purpose. A final report is due in the summer.

Tom Ranson of Ashtons Legal injury services comments: “It is of obvious concern to all when one hears of poor regulation and leadership affecting patient safety. The NMC, for the sake of the patients, must take responsibility for properly regulating its members to ensure they are fit to practise and able to deliver the high standards expected of those receiving healthcare in this country.”