NMC publishes extraordinary review into Staffordshire University student education programmes

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has today (Wednesday 24 June) published the findings of its extraordinary review in relation to the delivery of Staffordshire University’s pre-registration midwifery and nursing programmes.

In-line with the professional regulator’s quality assurance processes - including monitoring all of the NMC’s approved education programmes to ensure they are meeting its robust standards of education that underpin the delivery of better, safer, effective care - the NMC commissioned quality assurance delivery partner, Mott MacDonald, to carry out this review.

The review looked at how the University is taking appropriate steps to maintain the quality of its student learning environment and experience, particularly focusing on the oversight and support of its nursing and midwifery students within Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust which is used as an education placement setting.

The review of the pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes at the University found that it has systems and processes in place to monitor and control key risks, to meet NMC standards and assure protection of the public. However, two key areas of risks were found to not currently be appropriately managed, and improvements were identified.

As a result of the finding that some of the NMC’s standards are not being met, the University must implement an agreed action plan to address these key risks. The NMC’s Quality Assurance Board continues to review the progress being made, and the University is currently on track to meet its action plan.

Responding to the review, Professor Geraldine Walters, the NMC’s Director of Professional Practice, said:

“Following the well-documented public scrutiny regarding the quality of maternity and emergency department services provided at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust, this work has enabled us to seek those further assurances needed around the provision of practice learning.

“Through visiting the University and their placement partners to further explore how students are being supported, alongside speaking to students themselves and staff, the review makes clear those areas where more work is needed to be done. That way we can be confident all of the critical standards of education and training that we expect for students can be met and support their professional journey of joining the register and enjoying a highly skilled and rewarding career.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this review process for their openness and engagement. I know the University is committed to further improvement, including identifying and already implementing an agreed action plan, that our Quality Assurance Board will continue to review and monitor progress.”

A full and summary version of the Staffordshire University extraordinary review is available to read on our extraordinary reviews web page.

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