Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Oppenheim-Barnes (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 12 October 2009.

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Question: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness for her helpful Answer but is it not appalling that six years after serious allegations of abuse and neglect in an old persons’ home came before the NMC, the case has not yet been heard? The patients concerned have long since died but their relatives are entitled to at least a verdict in this case and six years is simply not acceptable.

Answer: My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for sharing these concerns with me. I absolutely agree that it is completely unacceptable that the proceedings in this particular case have taken so long. It is unfair on both the complainant and the staff in question. I am pleased to say that the NMC and its new leadership are well aware of this matter and have a plan to address these issues. Improvements can and will be seen and will continue in the coming years, including resolving the issues that the noble Baroness has raised.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 713 c5
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Care homes Abuse Administrative delays Misconduct Older people Nurses Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk