Blog: Employers and the Covid-19 response – the NMC is here to help

The past few weeks have been unlike anything I’ve known in my career. The challenges facing health and social care now and over the coming weeks and months are unprecedented and require all of us to work together and do what we can to support each other’s’ efforts.

The news of the tragic loss of life from Covid-19 has been devastating, but it has been heartening to see the human response to such difficult circumstances – people and organisations all trying to make a positive difference however they can.

I have been truly humbled by the number of formers nurses and midwives who have already applied to join the Covid-19 temporary register. At the time of writing around 8000 incredible people have already joined and are now available to practise and support the national effort in tackling the coronavirus pandemic. Alongside the nurses, midwives and nursing associates on our main register, they will make a massive difference for people across the country.

It’s important to recognise the crucial role of employers in supporting nursing and midwifery professionals and their colleagues during these challenging times. The role of leaders is both more important and more challenging than ever. As with professionals on the frontline, there has been an outstanding response from those responsible for leading health and social care services. Employers across the NHS, community care and social care have been rapidly making the tough decisions needed to ensure services are prepared to care for people with Covid-19, maintain essential health and care services for people who rely on them, and support their colleagues to do their jobs in the most difficult of circumstances.

I hope that opening the temporary register will make a difference to employers who are working hard to make sure they have people with the expertise and experience to maintain vital services.

I know employers will also have questions about what they should be aware of if they are employing a nurse or midwife who is on the temporary register and how Covid-19 is affecting other NMC processes like registration, revalidation and fitness to practise hearings.

To help answer these questions, we have launched a dedicated area on our Covid-19 website hub with information for employers. This includes information on the mechanisms in each of the four UK countries to enable professionals on the temporary register link up with the employers who need them. It also sets out expectations of the training, support and equipment employers will need to provide for nurses and midwives on the temporary register – something that is particularly important given these professionals are coming into practice settings quickly and in extraordinary circumstances.

Don’t forget that our Employer Link Service is also available to support you and answer any questions you can’t find an answer to on our website. They are a friendly and knowledgeable team who are keen to help you during this challenging period. Please do get in touch with your local advisor if you have any queries.

During these difficult times every one of us has an important role to play. I’m extremely grateful for everything employers are doing to support our brilliant registrants and enable them to provide the best care possible for people. Thank you.

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