To the NMC: show some leadership

James Gubb, 27 November 2008

The Nursing & Midwifery Council has been all over the news the last couple of days with its advice that nurses should no longer use terms such as ‘love’ when communicating with the elderly. Seems harmless enough, but is it really a good place to be if we need government or official bodies to tell us how best to behave?

Some patients may find it patronising, others may find it quite endearing. Surely the people involved are best to judge? It’s interesting that an ongoing survey on The Guardian’s website is currently running at 79.9 per cent against the NMC’s idea. This is unsurprising. After all, is it not the whole essence of the relationship between doctor, clinician or health professional with the patient is the interaction between the values and beliefs held by the both, and the context in which care is taking place?
Which leads onto the more concerning issue, this guidance issued by the NMC just a few days before:
‘Following the recent publication of the membership of the British National Party, the NMC would like to remind nurses and midwives that while you are free to join the BNP which is a lawful political party, as part of your Code of Conduct you must demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to equality and diversity.
The NMC does not forbid anyone on the register from being a member of any lawful political party or organisation. However, your fitness to practise could be called into question if you allow your political views or personal beliefs to contribute to behaviour that was contrary to your Code.’
Surely, surely, they should be stronger. Merely saying ‘while you are free to join the BNP which is a lawful political party….’ is a bit pathetic. The BNP is abhorrent. Here’s a few quotes from its leader, Nick Griffin:
“Mass alien immigration and suicidally low birthrate mean that the White Race is poised on the brink of a precipice of rapid and irreversible decline. If we do not step back now, we face political and then physical extinction. A stark choice. UNITE OR DIE!”
“The TV footage of dozens of gay demonstrators flaunting their perversions in front of the world’s journalists showed just why so many ordinary people find these creatures so repulsive.”
“Some ‘anti-Semitism’ may be provoked by the actions of certain Jews themselves and thereby have a rational basis”
“Islam is a vicious wicked faith that has expanded through a handful of cranky lunatics.”
Let’s put this alongside the code of standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwifes the NMC describes as the foundation of the profession:
“The people in your care must be able to trust you with their health and wellbeing.
To justify that trust, you must:
• make the care of people your first concern, treating them as individuals and respecting their dignity;
• work with others to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of those in your care, their families and carers, and the wider community;
• provide a high standard of practice and care at all times;
• be open and honest, act with integrity and uphold the reputation of your profession.”
I fail to see how the two can be compatible. Come on NMC, show some leadership. Could its tone not have been slightly stronger?