Joint NMC and RCN statement on Margaret Haywood High Court verdict
Published: 12 October 2009
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are pleased to announce a settlement in the case of nurse Margaret Haywood.
This was an extremely difficult and complex case in which the NMC panel had to balance Ms Haywood's duty to protect patient confidentiality with her duty to raise concerns about poor standards of care.
The court has approved the replacement of the striking off order with a one year caution. All parties agree that the sanction decided by the court, represents a fair outcome to this case.
Kathy George, Chief Executive and Registrar, NMC said:
"Raising concerns about poor standards of care is a difficult and brave step for any nurse or midwife to take and is vitally important in driving improvements in patient care. One of the lessons of Margaret Haywood's case is that nurses and midwives need clearer information about how to appropriately raise and escalate concerns in a way that is safe for patients and in a way that will not bring them into conflict with their code of conduct.
"We are currently developing guidance with patients' groups, the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of midwives, UNISON, Unite/CPHVA and organisations such as Public Concern at Work on how nurses and midwifes should appropriately raise and escalate concerns. This will be published in the summer of 2010.
"We are also taking steps to remind employers and managers of the need to establish clearer reporting procedures and to ensure that these are widely promoted amongst staff, so that nurses and midwives can feel confident that employers will listen to and respond appropriately to their concerns."
Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:
"We are pleased with today's outcome which means that Margaret will be able to continue practicing as a nurse. In reaching this conclusion it has been recognised that, while the case raised complex questions about competing duties, Margaret had an unblemished career as a nurse and contributed significantly to the care of patients. We would like to thank patients and the public for the vast support they have given her.
"We consider the matter satisfactorily resolved and all parties can now move on."
Ends
Notes for Editors
The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)
1. The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) exists to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public. We register all nurses and midwives and ensure that they are properly qualified and competent to work in the UK. We set standards of education, training and conduct that nurses and midwives. We provide advice and guidance to help nurses and midwives keep their skills and knowledge up to date so that they can deliver high quality healthcare consistently throughout their careers. We have fair processes to investigate allegations made against nurses and midwives who may not have followed our standards, rules and the Code.
2. For media enquiries, please contact Leila Harris-Ryberg, Press and Public Relations Officer at leila.harris-ryberg@nmc-uk.org or 020 7462 5884.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
3. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
4. Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.