NMC Responds To CHRE's Expanded Performance Review, UK

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 16 Jun 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) responded to the findings of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence's (CHRE) expanded performance review of the NMC. The review was carried out at the request of the Health Minister Ben Bradshaw, following Parliamentary allegations earlier this year about a "culture of bullying and racism" and concerns about the organisation's governance. The NMC made the following comments in response to the report:

"The CHRE's report makes very tough reading for the NMC.

"The report identifies the NMC's strengths in the provision of standards and guidance for nurses and midwives. But we are acutely aware that there is still a big job to do at the NMC. We have already identified fitness to practise, better customer service and a modern IT infrastructure as areas for sustained attention and activity. We are confident that we can deliver the improvement that is necessary.

"We are saddened that today's findings appear to directly contradict CHRE's own performance assessment in March. This is a cause for concern.

"We disagree with CHRE's findings on our relationships with all of our stakeholders. The role of any regulator sometimes creates difficulties for some of our stakeholders and they may not always agree with our position. However we believe that generally, our relationships with our stakeholders are good.

"We are heartened that CHRE found no evidence to support allegations of racism at the NMC. Whilst it is correct that a complaint is to be tested in the courts later in the year, the blanket characterisation of the NMC as "an institutionally racist" organisation was particularly unfair and demoralising for a workforce which not only prides itself on its diversity but which is highly proactive in embedding equality and diversity throughout the NMC's activities.

"We will take time to reflect on the report and will only offer further comment once we have had an opportunity to examine the recommendations in detail and have informed the CHRE how we intend to respond."

Nursing and Midwifery Council