I often get asked how long it takes for a referral to be completed. There are a number of stages in the referral process, and the 'halfway' stage is when the Case Examiners consider whether there is a case to answer, and whether the case should be referred to a full panel hearing.

Today I received notification from the NMC about one of my client's cases that had reached that halfway stage. It concerned allegations of breach of confidentiality and poor record keeping, in a case where I had been instructed from the very beginning of the referral process. Thanks to that, we were able to present an excellent case to the Case Examiners, with the result that they found no case to answer, and gave a warning as to her past conduct.

The case began on 12 June this year (2017), so that's just over 5 months. To a panel hearing, it could easily be another 5 months. You can see how the time can stack up, and I'm told by clients that the length of the process is really difficult to cope with. Advice and support throughout can make a big difference, to your state of mind, your ability to work and your ability to put forward the best defence.
If you are in a fitness to practice process, you will be waiting some time for it to complete. Use the time wisely.