Response to the PSA decision in the case of Helen Lockett

Responding to the Professional Standards Authority decision not to refer the case of Helen Lockett to the High Court, Clare Strickland, Deputy Director of Professional Regulation for the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), said:

“We referred this case to the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) in February, as we believed that in light of the independent panel’s findings and NMC guidance, a 12 month suspension order was not sufficient.

“After careful consideration, the PSA has decided not to refer this case to the High Court.”

“We respect their decision and the sanction remains a 12 month suspension order. This means Ms Lockett will be unable to practise as a nurse for the duration of the suspension. The sanction will be reviewed before the end of the 12-month period.”

“We look forward to reviewing the full reasons from the PSA and any learning points they highlight, so we can incorporate them into our continuous improvement work.”

Background

1. The Professional Standards Authority decision can be found here.
2. In February an independent panel of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) found the fitness to practise of nurse Helen Lockett to be impaired. While the NMC sought a striking off order in this case, the independent panel decided that a 12 month suspension order was the appropriate sanction. That means Ms Lockett is unable to practise as a nurse for the next 12 months, at which point this suspension will be reviewed. The NMC panel’s decision can be found here.
3. The NMC’s guidance on sanctions can be found here: www.nmc.org.uk/ftp-library/sanctions

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