The chief nursing officers (CNOs) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the chief executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have written jointly to registered professionals to offer reassurance and appreciation ahead of what is expected to be an especially challenging winter period. <\/p>\n
In the joint letter<\/a>, Duncan Burton (CNO England), Sue Tranka (CNO Wales), Maria McIlgorm (CNO Northern Ireland) and Paul Rees (NMC chief executive) acknowledged the rising pressures across health and social care and emphasised that the regulator would continue to consider the full context in which nurses and midwives are working.\n<\/p>\n \u2018Winter traditionally places considerable strain on the health and social care system, and this year will be no exception,\u2019 they wrote. \u2018The flu season has begun early<\/a>, demand across services remains high and is expected to rise further.\u2019 <\/p>\n Related Article: \u2018The RCN is the organisation to negotiate on practice nurse pay\u2019<\/a>\n<\/p>\n They said staff absences and caring responsibilities were also expected to increase, and recognised the concerns that this may raise among clinicians trying to deliver safe and effective care.\n<\/p>\n The letter acknowledged that pressures might force professionals to adapt their practice when established procedures cannot be followed exactly. <\/p>\n \u2018We recognise that this may cause concern about regulatory referral,\u2019 the signatories wrote. \u2018We want to reassure you that when assessing any referrals we are always careful to understand the full context of care delivery.\u2019\n<\/p>\n The NMC will continue to take account of staffing levels, resources and relevant guidance when considering any concerns raised about an individual\u2019s practice, the letter stated. <\/p>\n