Gathering further evidence after the investigation

There are times when we may decide we need further evidence before the case will be ready for a final hearing. Our guidance on Our culture of curiosity sets out our approach to investigating concerns. 

There are a number of reasons for this:

• We have received new information that we need to investigate fully.
• We need further information that clarifies or expands on earlier evidence we obtained.
• A witness who wasn’t previously available is now able to give us a witness statement about the events.

If a nurse, midwife or nursing associate is being investigated due to concerns that their health affects their fitness to practise, we may need to get up-to-date tests or medical reports. We may need these even if we already have a report, because the panel may need to know if anything has changed since the first report.

If we do have to get further information in order to prepare the case properly, we’ll give the nurse, midwife or nursing associate a copy of any new evidence we’ve obtained and tell them if we plan to put this evidence in front of the Fitness to Practise Committee.

If the nurse, midwife or nursing associate has asked us to try and obtain further information to assist their case, we will consider this as part of our duties under disclosure.