The regulator wants to drive forward ‘better, safer care’ and a ‘more just, learning culture’.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has said it wants to tackle the “negative perceptions” some nurses and midwives hold and move towards a more “just culture”.
Since April this year, the regulator has been gathering the views of the public, professionals on the register, partners and staff at the NMC, about the challenges facing nursing and midwifery alongside the things they need to focus on to become a better regulator.
Five themes were identified; having a dynamic approach to shaping practice, building relationships with the public, strengthening the relationship with professions, sharing research, data and intelligence, and closer collaboration with others
The NMC said the themes reflect the regulators’ ambition to be a progressive, professional regulator that can play a leading role in driving better, safer care and a more just, learning culture.
The regulator has now launched a consultation on its proposed five-year strategy and is asking its registrants to get involved.
Striving for the highest standards.
Since her appointment earlier this year, Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar at the NMC, has been determined to drive forward change and promote a more positive image of the regulator.
Ms Sutcliffe said: “Today marks an important milestone for the NMC, and everyone using, delivering and working in nursing and midwifery services across health and social care, who expect and strive for the highest standards of care.
“If we are to play our part in making sure safe, effective and kind care can be delivered, we must continue to improve. That’s why we’re working on a bold plan for 2020 to 2025 that can shape the practice of nurses, midwives and nursing associates to provide the better, safer care we all want to see.
“But we are not there yet. For the next twelve weeks, I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to test, challenge and have their say on our draft vision, themes and priorities for action – and help us agree a shared future direction for 2020 and beyond.”
Identifying solutions.
The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the chance to shape the way the regulator works.
Dame Donna Kinnair, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said: “This is a welcome opportunity to shape the way the NMC regulates the nursing profession, and informs and challenges the health and care system. The potential sharing of data and intelligence alone is hugely important to help improve workforce planning and to identify possible risks to safe and effective patient care”
“It is abundantly clear that there needs to be clear accountability for workforce supply and planning, and a sustained commitment to long-term investment in the workforce.
“The NMC has an important role to play in working together with colleagues across the health and care sector to understand systemic issues impacting on public and patient safety and in identifying solutions.”