The Authority appealed against a decision by a Nursing and Midwifery Council panel in respect of a nurse working at a hospital for adults with a learning disability. Allegations against the registrant included that the registrant had punched a patient, breaking the patient’s jaw and had restrained another using a duvet.
The Authority may refer a case to the relevant court if it considers that a relevant decision (a finding, penalty or both) is not sufficient for the protection of the public. The case was due to be heard at Court on 1 May. However, the Nursing and Midwifery Council has agreed that the case will remitted to an NMC panel to reconsider. The Authority is satisfied that the matters that were of most concern, the alleged punch to the jaw and use of a duvet as a means of restraint will now be reconsidered.
ENDS
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
Contact: Christine Braithwaite
Director Standards and Policy
Reception: 020 7389 8030
E: Christine.Braithwaite@professionalstandards.org.uk
Notes to editors
- The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care oversees nine statutory bodies that regulate health and social care professionals in the UK.
- We assess their performance and report to Parliament. We also conduct audits and investigations and can appeal fitness to practise cases to the courts if we consider that sanctions are insufficient to protect the public and it is in the public interest.
- The Standards of Good Regulation are designed to ensure that the regulators are protecting the public but also promoting confidence in health and care professionals and themselves. The Standards cover the regulators’ four core functions: setting and promoting guidance and standards for the profession; setting standards for and quality assuring the provision of education and training; maintaining a register of professionals; and taking action where a professional’s fitness to practise may be impaired.
- We also set standards for organisations holding voluntary registers for health and social care occupations and accredit those that meet them.
- We share good practice and knowledge, conduct research and introduce new ideas to our sector. We monitor policy developments in the UK and internationally and provide advice on issues relating to professional standards in health and social care.
- We do this to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of users of health and social care services and the public. We are an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament.
- Our values are at the heart of who we are and what we do. We are committed to being impartial, fair, accessible and consistent in the application of our values.
- More information about our work and the approach we take is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk