RCN welcomes Government's grant offer to NMC

Published: 15 October 2012

The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the Government’s offer of a £20m grant to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said: “The Department of Health’s offer is to be welcomed and is something we have been calling for. It is clear that the NMC has been facing a number of significant challenges for some time and we would urge the NMC Council to accept the offer as soon as possible.

“Nurses across the UK are hugely concerned about the proposed hike in NMC fees at a time when many are struggling financially. We believe that the proposed independent audit of the financial basis and assumptions behind the proposed increase still needs to be carried out swiftly, and its recommendations taken on board. This is essential for nurses and midwives to have confidence in the NMC as their regulator.

“The RCN remains committed to working with the NMC to help address the issues the organisation is facing. An effective, fit for purpose nursing regulator which can effectively uphold professional standards is vital for the public, patients, and the nursing profession.”

The NMC said: “Patients must be able to have confidence in the quality of care they receive from nurses and midwives, and we share the Government's commitment to improve nursing and midwifery regulation.

"The NMC’s Council has a responsibility to ensure that the organisation is adequately resourced for the future in order to deliver effective and efficient public protection. We welcome the Government’s offer of a grant to give us further options to contribute to the costs of regulating nurses and midwives. This will be discussed by our Council when it meets on 25 October."