Toxic Culture Uncovered at Nursing and Midwifery Council

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/nursing-and-midwifery-council-review-nhs-nurses-abuse-b2576003.html

An explosive review led by Nazir Afzal KC found that the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) suffers from a toxic, dysfunctional culture that has ignored serious allegations of sexual, physical, and racist abuse for years. The NMC, responsible for regulating over 800,000 professionals, delayed striking off a nurse accused of rape and failed to act on reports involving child abuse images. Whistleblower reports, initially exposed by The Independent, were fully corroborated by the review. Afzal criticized NMC leadership for neglecting concerns over the past 15 years, leading to severe consequences including six nurse suicides amid prolonged investigations. Racism and bullying were rampant, with minority ethnic staff particularly targeted and denied promotions. Leaders often dismissed complaints if incidents occurred outside work. Despite longstanding warnings about its culture since 2005, dysfunction persists at all organizational levels. Former CEO Andrea Sutcliffe apologized, and the NMC accepted 36 recommendations, pledging £30 million toward reforms. Chair Sir David Warren called the findings profoundly distressing. The Department of Health emphasized the need for swift action but did not confirm direct intervention. The review warns that without urgent transformation, public confidence and staff welfare remain at serious risk.

Thomas, R. (2024, July 9). Nurses accused of rape and child abuse free to practise as ‘toxic’ watchdog turned blind eye, review finds. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/nursing-and-midwifery-council-review-nhs-nurses-abuse-b2576003.html