The previous update looked at The Nursing standard article which discussed the millions planned to be spent by the NMC on employing external sources to help clear the backlog of cases. They suggest this backlog has occurred due the challenges faced during the pandemic.  

We are confused... All panel members have been working remotely during the pandemic as have most office staff so  why such a backlog?. Registrant members of panels may hold positions in the NHS which mean they need to be left to continue this work rather than brought back to hearings, but we know there are many registrant members who are not in clinical ward roles so find it difficult to understand this argument. They have said they want to leave NHS workers to their busy work during the crisis rather than disturbing them with witness statements and evidence for a case. This gives the impression once again that the registrant at the centre of the investigation is not a priority - something they already feel!! Yet some of these registrants are working through the pandemic as every putting everyone else first...!!!

The truth is therere have always been a backlog of cases and this issue has raised its head over the years when there has been no pandemic. 

In 2008 the Nursing Standard commented on unions demanding that for the 307 waiting to be heard by FtP the criminal standard of proof should be adopted so as to assist with them being dealt with expeditiously - the NMC stated the civil standard would follow.

In 2012 the National Health Executive reported on "substantial failings and hearings backlog" stating:

"The Nursing and Midwifery council (NMC) is not performing its duties at an acceptable level and is struggling to deal with a backlog of complaints, a review into its performance has shown.
The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) found that almost 4,500 cases are still awaiting a decision from the NMC, with a backlog of complaints against nurses and midwives that reaches back to 2005."

Katherine Murphy, of the Patients Association, at the time said:

“It is clear that the NMC will not only have to develop more robust regulatory procedures, but also work very hard to regain the trust placed in them by patients, nurses and other healthcare professionals alike.”

So whilst we appreciate the pandemic brings extraordinary challenges one could worry that it gives a convenient excuse to a long standing problem which once again puts those going through the process at the bottom of the priority list.