NMC Launches First Annual Devolved Dialogue In Scotland

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 06 Nov 2009 - 0:00 PST

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

We launched our devolved dialogue programme in Scotland this week; members of the NMC will meet with Scottish politicians, public and patient groups, regional trade union representatives, nurse directors and other partners, to discuss the core priorities for nursing and midwifery regulation in Scotland, examining how these differ from the rest of the UK and how we can address them as a four-country regulator.

The two day programme includes visits by council members on 4 November to nursing education facilities at Edinburgh Napier University. They will also be visiting the Edinburgh Crisis Centre, and Deaf Action, a deaf community mental health service centre established last year to provide support and counselling to deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and deafblind people by BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Accreditation Support) accredited counsellors.

The NMC's council met in the morning of 5 November at the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, where they will receive a presentation by Audrey Cowie, Scottish Health Department's Professional Officer, Regulation & Workforce Standards, on cross border regulation in Scotland.

The programme will end with a Parliamentary reception at Holyrood House, hosted by Nicola Sturgeon MSP who said:

"Strong regulation is important for both the public and the professions. In this era of devolved government it is particularly important for a UK-wide regulator to understand the particular issues for Scotland and be familiar with the Scottish context.

"These opportunities to share views are therefore essential. I welcome the NMC to Scotland and hope the first devolved dialogue programme allows us all to share valuable experiences."

Commenting on the devolved dialogue programme, NMC Chair Professor Tony Hazell said:

"When I took on the role of Chair of the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) in January 2009, I became aware very quickly of the challenge of being a four-country regulator.

"Since devolution became a reality in 1999 the devolved administrations have made great strides in developing policies that meet the needs of local people. The Scottish Government have developed a centralised system towards the management of NHS hospitals, while the Welsh administration has introduced a healthcare system focused on preventative measures. Westminster has created a market-led commissioning structure and in Northern Ireland there is an integrated Health and Social Care system.

"As a UK wide organisation it is the NMC's role to ensure that nurses and midwives throughout the UK practice within these systems in a way that, first and foremost, protects the public.

"We are also in a position to be able to identify best practice. There are many good examples happening in each country. Scotland is leading the way in the regulation of healthcare support workers, while Welsh Community Health Councils are seen as an excellent template for public involvement. The NMC continually encourages the sharing of best practice so that we may help to ensure patient safety across the UK."

This was the first official visit by new NMC Chief Executive and Registrar Dickon Weir-Hughes, who took over from Kathy George CBE RRC on 1 November 2009.

Source
The Nursing & Midwifery Council