RCN response to NMC review of fees

Published: 17 May 2012

For immediate release: 17 May 2012

Commenting on the review of fees announced today by the NMC, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

"This is a staggering proposal at a time when nurses are under huge financial pressure. Indeed, it is deeply unfair that the NMC would propose a near 60 percent hike in fees when nurses are in the middle of a two year pay freeze and facing increased pensions contributions. We know that the NMC is facing financial challenges, but nurses should not be picking up the tab.

"We believe that this consultation raises a fundamental issue about funding of the NMC. While there are increasing costs of fitness to practise, the NMC is also due to make a significant financial contribution of £0.8m per annum to the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence, which oversees all health regulators. Given that the CHRE promotes partnership working between the professions, patients and the public, we would question whether it is now time for the Government, rather than financially stretched nurses, to contribute to the costs of regulation.

"The Royal College of Nursing will be seeking a meeting with the NMC as a matter of some urgency. RCN Council will then consider next steps.”

Ends

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 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.