An interim suspension order is put in place to protect the public whilst the NMC undergo their investigation. Whilst this has to be reviewed regularly for appropriateness this potentially means the registrant ( nurse or midwife ) is unable to work for anything from 6 months to 3 years.We know of some who it has occurred for longer.

According to this year's annual Fitness to Practice report 57% of cases received a No case to Answer or " No further action".

If they have been unable to work during this time due to an interim order they will have lost professional and personal confidence as well as a substantial amount of financial loss.

For this there is no recourse - they are unable to claim for loss of earnings and unlike suspension in the workplace, they can not have their salary protected whilst under investigation by the NMC