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Scottish Government
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Readmission of nurses and midwifes
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon today welcomed the Nursing & Midwifery Council's (NMC) announcement that it will write to almost 10,000 nurses and midwives across Scotland whose registration has lapsed within the previous four years.
This action is being taken to support services to address any potential staffing shortages in the event of an escalation of the swine flu pandemic.
In Scotland this includes, 7,695 nurses, 148 midwives and 1,686 dual qualified nurses/midwives who will be contacted.
To be eligible to work in the UK, a nurse or midwife must be registered with the NMC. Across the UK approximately 90,000 nurses will be contacted.
If a nurse of midwife is eligible for readmission to the register, the NMC strongly recommends they contact their last employer or local health service provider before making a decision about applying for readmission. Employers will be able to advise if they are interested in an individual returning to work for them as a nurse or midwife should staffing shortages become a problem.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"I am pleased the NMC is taking this action in preparation for any worsening of the pandemic.
"The Scottish Government revised and reissued central guidance for NHS Scotland Boards on the workforce implications of pandemic flu in August this year. It provides NHS Boards with guidance on a range of related issues such as the potential deployment of staff from other sources, including retired and former staff.
"NHS Boards have been working in line with that guidance and good progress is being made in developing plans.
"People should be reassured that the NHS in Scotland and its partner agencies are continuing to do everything they can to minimise the impact of this outbreak.
"Everyone can play a part in minimising the spread of flu-like illness by washing their hands and catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue."
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) exists to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public. The NMC register all nurses and midwives and ensure that they are properly qualified and competent to work in the UK.
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