Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016
SS v Nursing and Midwifery Council
Jillian Martin Brown successfully acted on behalf of a nurse recently in an appeal against the Registrar’s refusal to readmit her to the Register. The nurse’s registration lapsed in 2012 and she applied for readmission nearly three years later. The Registrar refused the application on the grounds that he was not satisfied that the nurse was of sufficiently good character as to be capable of safe and effective practice. The nurse had practised without registration for a lengthy period, which the Registrar considered demonstrated at best negligence and at worst wilful disregard for her registration obligations.
Jillian argued that the refusal to readmit was disproportionate and that there was no evidence of patient harm, the nurse had demonstrated insight and there was considerable evidence of good character from numerous reputable referees. The panel concluded that the nurse was of sufficiently good character as to be capable of safe and effective practice, quashed the decision of the Registrar and allowed the nurse to be readmitted to the Register.