PSA reports “overall improvement in the NMC’s performance”

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) welcomes the annual Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) performance review report 2014–2015, which reports that the NMC’s performance against the Standards of Good Regulation has improved. 

The PSA praised the effectiveness of major pieces of NMC work during the year, including the revised Code, which came into effect on 31 March 2015, the leadership we demonstrated when tackling concerns about midwifery practice in Guernsey and meeting our target to conclude fitness to practise hearings more quickly. 

Chief Executive and Registrar of the NMC, Jackie Smith, said: 

“I am delighted that the PSA’s annual performance review recognises the improvements we have made and the good practice we have demonstrated in 2014–2015. We have met several more standards than last year, which is a considerable achievement. 

“Our work on the revised Code, the introduction of an overseas test of competence and our review of midwifery regulation are further important steps to improve how we protect the public. We have introduced significant measures to make our registration and fitness to practise functions more effective. This benefits the professions, their employers and is good for public protection. 

“Although the report highlights good progress, we know there is still plenty to do and we are not complacent about that. Getting better in the interests of the public and the professions is our ambition which we are committed to.           

“We are in the best place we’ve ever been. Without the continued hard work and dedication of NMC staff we would not be able to make the consistent improvements reported by the PSA. I would like to thank them for their effort and commitment.”

-End-

Notes for editors

1.   The Nursing and Midwifery Council exists to protect the public. We do this by ensuring that only those who meet our requirements are allowed to practise as a nurse or midwife in the UK. We take action if concerns are raised about whether a nurse or midwife is fit to practise.

2.   PSA annual performance review 2014–2015: www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/438402/PSA_accounts_2015_II.pdf

3.   For media enquiries, please contact Hannah Schraer at hannah.schraer@nmc-uk.org or on 020 7681 5936.