NMC urges nurses to clarify swine flu role

The NMC published a position statement to help with what may be difficult circumstances, and suggested nurses request extra training if they think they need it.

The swine flu position statement is to be used along with the position statement on influenza pandemics and the NMC’s code of conducts, standards and ethics.

NMC chief executive and registrar Kathy George said: “The swine flu pandemic requires everyone in the health care community from nurses and midwives to employers and regulators to work together and respond appropriately to the situation as it evolves.

“We realise that it may be difficult for nurses and midwives to provide care where resources are scarce or there are shortages of staff.

“We recognise that there are likely to be difficult circumstances that could follow a surge in the swine flu pandemic, and that nurses and midwives may need to be more flexible and adaptable than usual to meet the needs of the people in their care.

“We know that nurses and midwives will want to do everything they can to give the best possible standard of care during the swine flu pandemic. This position statement will support them to do that while ensuring they continue to work within the code.”

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