Fresh calls have been made for a parliamentary inquiry into the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) - which is responsible for overseeing nearly 800,000 nurses, midwives and nursing associates in the UK – after it refused to publish the results of an internal review highlighting new failures to protect the public.
Senior staff at the NMC carried out an investigation this year into how the regulator had handled dozens of serious allegations against nurses and midwives after whistleblowers raised concerns last year.
The Independent revealed in 2023 that the watchdog was not fit for purpose, prompting it to admit a series of failings and commission two independent probes, one of which was carried out by top KC Nazir Afzal with its findings published in July.
The Afzal review found the NMC had taken seven years to strike off a nurse who had been accused of sexually assaulting a patient and colleague, and in a separate case did not take action against a nurse accused of accessing child pornography. It found a toxic and dysfunctional culture at “every level” and an organisation that turned a blind eye to serious sexual, physical and racist abuse.
The second independent probe, by Ijeoma Omambala KC, was due to be finalised this year but has been delayed.
The Independent understands the latest internal review found that the NMC is still failing to adequately consider restrictions on nurses’ and midwives’ practice when they’ve faced serious allegations, such as sexual misconduct, and child abuse.
The NMC board also found a “failure to identify and act on safeguarding concerns”. When asked by The Independent when the findings would be published, the regulator confirmed it does not intend to do so.
Mr Afzal blasted the decision and warned it appears that, in spite of his review, the regulator has “not understood the need for greater transparency in their dealings”.
This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STOLEN MOMENTS
The antics of the gentleman thief in EW Hornung's 'Raffles' bring Anthony Quinn as much joy as when he was a child.
Can Glaser give Hollywood the roasting it deserves?
The stand-up comedian's close-to-the-bone comedy makes Nikki Glaser the ideal choice to host tomorrow's Golden Globes. Move over, Ricky Gervais, writes Kevin E G Perry
'I'd just turned 18... I don't think I was remotely sexy'
Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall is newly solo with a debut electropop hit to her name. She talks to Annabel Nugent about the downside of fame and how she's never feared 'clapping back'
The disruptor: why Musk is a risk to German democracy
The tech billionaire's move to support the AfD is proof he is determined to unsettle a nation that knows all too well what far-right dictatorship can bring, writes John Kampfner
Slot turns transfer saga into surprise Liverpool benefit
Arne Slot has claimed that the saga about Trent AlexanderArnold's future is helpful to him as it prevents his Liverpool players from being overloaded with praise that could make them complacent.
United 'are starving for leaders', admits Amorim
When Ruben Amorim got to convey good news, it still came with a demand.
Still a teenager but there are few weaknesses in his game
Whether he beat or lost to Michael van Gerwen on the Alexandra Palace stage on Friday night, Luke Littler was al going to leave his second World Darts Championship as a winner.
Littler makes history after winning world title aged 17
Darts has a new world champion, and he's a 17-year-old boy from Warrington.
The hot UK industry that could be facing a wipeout
Don't tell Liam and Noel, but the biggest entertainment event of 2025 won't be their reunion, it'll be the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI.
Taxes to rise again despite growth, warn economists
A group of economists have warned that the Treasury is likely to raise taxes even further this year, despite an expectation that the country will return to growth in 2025.
