RCN comment on NMC appointment of Jackie Smith

Published: 09 October 2012

The Royal College of Nursing today (9 October) commented on the appointment of Jackie Smith as NMC Chief Executive for a one year period. RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“We wish Jackie Smith well in her role as Chief Executive. An effective, fit for purpose nursing regulator which can effectively uphold professional standards, is vital for the public, patients and the nursing profession. 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.

“However, nurses remain hugely concerned about the proposed hike in NMC fees at a time when many are struggling financially. 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.

“We are committed to working with the NMC to help address some of the issues the organisation is facing.”
 
 
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Notes for Editors
 
1.     For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
 
2.     The 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 nursing staff 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.