HCPC Investigating Committee find no case to answer against social worker

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Published: Monday, 08 August 2016 09:02

Written by John Williams

A social worker whose case had been put back for further consideration by the HCPC Investigating Committee sought advice from John Williams on the further response to be made. After giving advice free of charge and the social worker submitting further representations the Investigating Committee found no case to answer, thus avoiding an extremely stressful and potentially career ending full hearing before the Conduct and Competence Committee. The social worker commented “I was very grateful for the time John gave me, it really did help me with my second submission. He really was an informed voice of reason and helped me put things in context which was really valuable to me at a time when I felt I was drowning and I do thank him for this I will remember John and recommend him to people should the opportunity arise."

Brexit Part 1: Implications for the NHS, EU immigrant nurses and doctors

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Published: Monday, 01 August 2016 14:51

Written by Krystal Whyment

With concerns over staffing, NHS funding and abusive behaviour from patients towards doctors and nurses, the full impact of Brexit on UK healthcare is already turbulent, despite it not yet being clear exactly what will happen with the right to free movement within the EU. Although there is still a great deal of negotiating to do before the UK completely pulls out of Brussels, healthcare professionals are understandably worried about what Brexit will mean for them.

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Brexit Part 2: Increase in racist behaviour; implications for doctors and nurses; can I decline to treat?

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Published: Monday, 01 August 2016 13:56

Written by Krystal Whyment

During the first week after the UK voted to leave the EU, the frequency of hate crimes being reported increased by an incredible 57%, according to the police-funded hate crime reporting website ‘True Vision’. Reporting charity ‘Stop Hate UK’ and anti-Islamophobia organisation ‘Tell Mama’’ also reported dramatic increases in the rate of reports of racism and xenophobia. News websites and social media channels were awash with reports of abuse directed towards EU and non-EU migrants by British citizens who believed that a successful vote for Brexit gave them a free pass for hate speech. These scenarios occurred all over the UK, even in healthcare environments.

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Nursing and Midwifery Council – Revalidation overview

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Published: Tuesday, 19 July 2016 17:13

Written by Krystal Whyment

On 1st April 2016, the Nursing and Midwifery Council introduced a revalidation process for all registered nurses and midwives working in the UK.

The aims of this new process are to increase awareness of required professional standards and the Code of Practice, to allow nurses the chance to reflect on their work and how these standards apply, to keep staff updated on current developments and to foster the growth of professional networks within which best practice is shared and disseminated. It is intended that these changes will increase public confidence in the profession.

Each registration period lasts for three years, during which members are expected to meet various requirements. These include 450 hours of professional practice (or 900 if you are registered as a midwife as well as a nurse) and 35 hours of continued professional development (CPD). There must be evidence of five pieces of feedback relating to practice, five written pieces reflecting on CPD undertaken, and reflection on these accounts with a fellow registered nurse or midwife. In addition, nurses will also have to make a declaration about their health and good character, demonstrate that they have professional indemnity cover and get confirmation from another professional (such as a line manager) that they meet all revalidation requirements.

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