On 8 April 2021, the Nursing & Midwifery Council (“NMC”) launched a consultation on new draft education standards for community and public health nursing in the UK.
The education standards for specialist community public health nursing (SCPHN) and specialist practice qualifications (SPQs) were last updated over 15 years ago and the NMC has said that it now needs, “fit for purpose standards that reflect the realities of modern nursing in health and social care now.”
The draft standards set out the knowledge and skills needed to gain post-registration qualifications. They also cover what the NMC expects from education institutions and practice learning partners delivering the education and training.
Professor Geraldine Walters CBE, Executive Director of Professional Practice for the NMC, said:
“Community and public health nursing has never been more important. We want these new standards to reflect the realities of modern community and public health nursing and equip professionals with the right skills for the future. Due to the challenges and pressures of the pandemic over the past 12 months, we’re extending the consultation period to four months and are ensuring there are a range of accessible opportunities so that as many people as possible can con-tribute in a variety of ways.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
“It is important we bring post-registration qualifications up to date to better reflect and recognise the skills and care standards required today, and in the future, from our specialist nurses. We encourage staff and interested organisations to share their views with the Nursing and Midwifery Council by 2 August.”
Over the course of the next 16 weeks, there will be a range of ways for people to get involved and share their views on the NMC’s proposals. The NMC will be hosting virtual drop-in sessions as well as webinars and virtual panel events.
Further information can be found here.
