Item 20: Putting its house in order
Matter for discussion submitted by the RCN UK Stewards Committee
That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses whether the NMC has restored the faith of nurses in its fitness to practice
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Proposed by Roy Tomlinson from the UK Stewards Committee, this matter for discussion focussed on changes in the NMC over the last year or so. Roy spoke about the developments that had taken place and said that the RCN had sent an open letter in the Autumn of 2008 welcoming the NMC's action plan.
He also updated delegates on the involvement of the RCN, and other unions in recent meetings with the NMC, and attended the NMC's recent parliamentary reception.
A number of delegates considered there was still some way to go, however. Mike Travis' comments reflected the views of several speakers on the length of time it takes cases to be heard.
The composition of the NMC panels also came under discussion with speakers criticising the number of lay members on them. The fact that panels may not include a nurse from the appropriate discipline was also cited as problematic by delegates such as David Harding Price.
John Kelsall was concerned about the disparity of some of the decisions that were made, whilst Ciaran Hurley referred to the role of sign-off mentors who make the recommendations about whether someone should be placed on the register.
Greg Usrey expressed a worry about nurses who are listed on the NMC website pending their case and, in particular, the inclusion of seemingly a disproportionate number of black and minority ethnic nurses.
RCN Council member Andrea Spyropoulis believed the NMC should be given more time and Mike Hayward, RCN Croydon branch, applauded the RCN's work with the NMC.
Background
At the beginning of 2008 a number of concerns were raised in relation to the running of the NMC.
Health Minister Ben Bradshaw wrote to both the Commission for Health Care Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) and the Charity Commission requesting they investigate whether the NMC was fulfilling its statutory role. The RCN, RCM, Unison and Unite issued a joint statement welcoming this.
The CHRE report identified weakness within the NMC in relation to fitness to practice, governance and stakeholder relations and made recommendations in respect of these. The NMC developed an action plan to address recommendations of the CHRE report.
The RCN and the other unions sent an open letter to all NMC Council members welcoming the action plan and offering to support and contribute to the work that needed to be done. The letter stressed the importance of ensuring that an independent regulator for nurses and midwives continue to exist in the future.
The RCN, RCM, Unison and Unite have attended regular action plan stakeholder meetings with the NMC to receive progress updates on the NMC action plan, and provide advice and support. The NMC also accepted an offer by RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Peter Carter for the RCN to host a workshop on the fitness to practice procedures and how these can be improved. This took place in December 2008.
In October the CHRE reported to the DH that they were pleased with the progress the NMC was making and in November the joint unions issued a further statement acknowledging the considerable work of NMC Council members and staff. The statement also acknowledged that real progress had been made but said further work was still to be done.
During the autumn, the NHS Appointments Commission managed the process for recruiting to the reconstituted NMC Council and new NMC Chair. Tony Hazell was confirmed as the Chair designate in September 2008, and the new Council took office from 1 January 09.
The NMC also took the decision not to renew the terms of office of fitness to practice panellists who had served two terms, stating this was in accordance with good governance practice. The RCN raised concerns with the NMC about the impact this would have on the availability of sufficient numbers of experienced panellists.
During 2009 the RCN have continued to meet regularly with the NMC in relation to a wide range of issues and in February the RCN President and senior staff attended an NMC Parliamentary reception hosted by Jim Devine MP. As a key stakeholder the RCN has had increased opportunities to constructively influence the work and shape the agenda of the NMC.
References and further reading
Special Report to the Minister of State for Health Services on the Nursing and Midwifery Council, 11 June 2008. Commission for Health Care Regulatory Excellence (CHRE)