RCN wishes new NMC chief well for the year ahead

Published: 09 October 2012

The Royal College of Nursing reiterated its commitment to helping to resolve issues at the Nursing and Midwifery Council as it was revealed that Jackie Smith would lead the regulator for the next year.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said having an effective and fit for purpose regulator is vital for the public, patients and the profession.

He said: “There are clearly a number of significant challenges, as identified in the recent CHRE report, that the NMC needs to address and we know that Ms Smith has started to tackle some of these while she was acting in the position.”

Dr Carter also said that nurses remain “hugely concerned” about the proposed hike in registration fees as many registrants are struggling financially.

He said: “The proposed independent audit of financial reasons behind the move 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. It is also key to the organisation moving forward, demonstrating value for money and ensuring its statutory responsibility to protect patients.”