The NMC At The House Of Commons, UK

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 01 Mar 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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A Parliamentary reception was hosted by Jim Devine, Labour MP for Livingston, on Tuesday 24 February in the House of Commons to welcome the new members of the NMC Council.

The reception was attended by Ben Bradshaw MP, Minister of State for Health Services, MPs and Peers across the political spectrum and by senior representatives from patient groups, professional bodies and campaigning charities.

In a speech welcoming the new Council, Mr Devine stated that the NMC had changed and:

"...is entirely focused on ensuring that nurses and midwives practise safely and that they are regulated efficiently and effectively in the public interest".

Read the full text of Jim Devine's speech

Responding to speeches by Jim Devine MP and Ben Bradshaw MP, Professor Tony Hazell, Chair of the NMC, stated that the new look Council reflected the change of mood in healthcare professional regulation and the shift in the balance of power away from professional interests towards a stronger focus on patients and the public.

Professor Hazell emphasised that whilst the NMC had achieved much over the last few months, there remained a lot still to do and there could be no room for complacency.

Professor Hazell stated that:

"This Council is clear that we exist to safeguard the health and wellbeing of patients and the public. Whilst we will listen to professional interests and take account of any concerns, we will not be distracted from ensuring that we work at all times on behalf of the patients and the public who we serve".

Nursing & Midwifery Council