Response to CQC report on promoting sexual safety in adult social care

Responding to the CQC report on promoting sexual safety in adult social care, Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:

“For too long sex and sexuality have been ignored and treated as taboo subjects in adult social care. As CQC’s important report shows, the failure to have open, honest conversations leads to a lack of respect for this basic human need and an environment where sexual harm can happen with devastating consequences for those affected.

“Nurses in adult social care have a vital role in supporting those they care for to safely explore and express their sexuality, while protecting them from sexual abuse. This is entirely consistent with the NMC code and standards which require nurses on our register to show both clinical excellence and a commitment to kindness, compassion and respect, and to provide person-centred care that respects people’s diversity.

“While CQC only regulates health and social care services in England, there are important lessons here that adult social care nurses in all four UK countries can take on-board.”

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