Revamped NMC board 'too small'

Nursing unions have called for an increase in the proposed number of members on the new-look NMC council.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (Constitution) Order 2008, which the Department of Health has put out for consultation, calls for the council to be reformed to have seven nurse and midwife members and seven lay members, who will serve up to six years.

In its response, Unison warned that 14 members would not be adequate. 'We believe a committee membership of 18 would allow for a four-country approach to be more effectively delivered,' it said. 'We believe strongly that the council should seek to reflect the society it seeks to protect.'

The RCN has said the new council needs to be 'slightly enlarged'.