Full Breakdown
NMC’s 12-Year Oversight Lapse Leaves Dozens of Nurses and Midwives Unfit to Practice
5/27/2026, 10:58:41 PM
Background & Context
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regulates the UK’s 867,935 nurses, midwives and nursing associates. A 2024 independent review highlighted bullying, racism and procedural gaps, leading to Paul Rees’s appointment as chief executive and registrar in 2025 and a three-year transformation plan.
Extent of the Oversight Failure
A review of 18,060 applications from the past 12 years found 434 cases never referred for full health-and-character assessment. Of these, 402 involved criminal convictions and 32 health concerns. Up to 15 individuals may be struck off; 421 nurses and midwives are being contacted for further information.
Official Statements & Responses
The NMC apologized, with chief executive Paul Rees calling the lapse “completely and utterly unacceptable” and launching a rapid review by paralegals. The regulator will refer cases to independent disciplinary panels. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson praised the transparency and stressed the need for public confidence. The Patients Association also welcomed the regulator’s transparency.
Criticism & Opposition
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) called the apology “vague,” demanded an independent inquiry and said the failings “call into question whether the NMC is fit for purpose.” RCN chief nursing officer Prof Lynn Woolsey warned of a “potentially dangerous regulatory failing.” Unison’s Gail Adams called the episode a “serious system failure” and urged swift, transparent action.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number to be removed, citing “about 15” and “up to 15.” No evidence has been released on patient impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I would like to apologise for the fact that for a period of 12 years we failed to ensure that all health and character declarations were assessed in line with our full process. This is completely and utterly unacceptable” — Paul Rees, NMC chief executive and registrar
- “The NMC must ensure all those practising as registered nurses are safe to do so at the point of registration and throughout their careers. It is a potentially dangerous regulatory failing that individuals made appropriate declarations regarding criminal convictions and/or health conditions over such a long period of time without appropriate checks to determine their fitness to practise.” — Prof Lynn Woolsey, chief nursing officer, Royal College of Nursing
- “ Rachel Power, the chief executive of the Patients Association, welcomed the NMC’s transparency but added: “Patients treated by individuals who never should have been on the register should not be left to wonder if they were impacted but deserve honest and direct communication.” — Rachel Power, chief executive, Patients Association
What’s Next
Independent disciplinary panels will decide the fate of the up to 15 recommended removals in the coming months. The NMC will finish reviewing the 421 pending cases and implement additional safeguards.
