An article has hit the press today in regards to NMC's action to strike a nurse off the register.

It's highly unlikely that a longstanding healthcare professional of good character suddenly started drinking at work due to pure misconduct as opposed to a health condition.

This case highlights so clearly, when contrasted with the GMCs approach to Doctors, just how awfully the antiquated NMC treat the nurses they are meant to be humane to. 
Doctors value each other - the GMC values Doctors.
Nurses value each other - The NMC appear to treat their nurses with total contempt. 
Thrown away like garbage or a faulty product. 

From the 'Doctors Defence Service'
"on receiving a complaint about a doctors drinking the GMC will first ask the Doctor concerned their views. The Doctor may then be asked to see a general physician or even a psychiatrist."
"It will be determined whether the doctor has a health problem relating to alcohol'.
FULL INVESTIGATION into the Doctors health and circumstances will be assessed and determined prior to any fitness to practice decision

So why is our nursing regulator not showing the same compassion?

Always amazes me how the Victorian era Nursing & Midwifery Council are constantly investigated - but never ever change their approach. 
Nothing short of 'root and branch change' is required.

We really do need to do better when it comes to addiction & alcohol in professionals - it is 2024. 
Demographics, people, upbringing and substance availability is completely different than it was when the NMC wrote the standards in {probably} 1902