RCN statement on Health Committee report on the NMC

Published: 26 July 2011

Responding to today’s publication of the Health Committee’s report into the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said:

“Nurses are in a unique position to identify problems and have a clear responsibility to report any concerns they may have about patient safety. However, it is critically important that nursing staff are properly protected when speaking out. At a time when many nurses are working under huge pressure, a true commitment from board level down is needed to investigate their concerns. Recent examples have shown us what can happen if genuine concerns are dismissed or not investigated thoroughly. Our own research has also shown that many nurses have concerns that they will be victimised if they speak up.

“We absolutely support the recommendation for a system of mandatory, not voluntary regulation of healthcare assistants. The RCN has been calling for mandatory regulation for some time and we believe there is a public protection issue, particularly around care of the elderly and as witnessed in recent cases such as Winterbourne View. We are now committed to working with the NMC about how to make this a reality.

“We also agree that the process of Fitness to Practise hearings does need to be streamlined and again we are looking forward to working with the NMC on this issue.”

-Ends -

Notes for Editors

1.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