Interim orders

I've been to London twice this week, for NMC hearings at 61 Aldwych.  The first hearing I've mentioned in a previous post.  The second was an application for an interim order.  The NMC makes these sort of applications when they feel there is an urgent need to restrict a nurse's practice whilst they investigate allegations made in a referral.

This nurse had been dismissed after allegations of falsifying patient records and a serious medication error.  The employer referred them to the NMC, and whilst the investigation was ongoing, the nurse made some more medication errors at her new employer.  On finding out about the new errors, the NMC applied for an interim order. 

They often ask for the nurse in question to be suspended for 18 months, which is really a draconian measure, meaning an drastic loss of livelihood.  And when they apply for such an order, they give no more than 7 days' notice!

Luckily this nurse was sensible enough to get in touch with me straight away.  I opposed the NMC's application and the panel decided that a minor conditions of practice order was sufficient, allowing the nurse to continue on in practice until the allegations are fully investigated.

Needless to say, she was very relieved and she didn't even have to attend the hearing!