The Nursing and Midwifery Council maintain the register for nurses, midwifes and health visitors in the UK and establishes standards of education, training, conduct and performance for nursing and midwifery.
The role of the NMC is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public by providing effective regulation of the nursing and midwifery profession. Its powers are set out in the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001
The NMC can investigate a complaint even if it falls outside a registrant’s clinical conduct and during those investigations may take witness statements, obtain medical records and/or seek specialist advice.
The NMC has a number of different panels who consider issues of misconduct or unfitness to practice including "Invetigating Comnmittee Panels", "Conduct and Competence Committee Panels" and "Professional Conduct Committee Panels".
If the Committee deems that the nurse or midwife represents a risk to themselves, the public and/or patent safety, they will refer the case to the respective Committee with a recommendation that an interim order should be imposed.
It is possible to appeal the decision of a Committee provided this takes place within a 28 day time limit, or to apply for restoration following erasure.
