Sussex nurses and midwives to have three-year checks

Under the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the reforms, announced today (October 8) mark the most ‘significant regulatory change’ in the council’s history.

The changes are being brought in to make sure poor standards are no longer tolerated and the rules mean nurses have to prove they are ‘skilled and compassionate’.

Jackie Smith, NMC chief executive and Registrar, said: “The NMC holds one of the largest registers of healthcare professionals in the world, and the introduction of revalidation is the most significant regulatory change in our history.

“We believe that revalidation will give the public confidence that the people who care for them are continuously striving to improve their practice. Indeed, nurses and midwives who piloted the new model told us that they too believe it will deliver real benefits in raising standards and protecting the public.”

The changes are one of the key recommendations from the inquiry into Mid-Staffs, where patients died due to failings in care.

To remain on the register, nurses and midwives will have to show their training is up to date and living the values of their professional Code by seeking feedback from patients and colleagues and engaging in a regular process of ‘reflection, learning and improvement’.

They will also have to obtain confirmation from another professional that they have met all the requirements before they apply to renew their place on the register every three years.

Revalidation will be introduced from April 2016.

All 685,000 nurses and midwiv