Day: May 5, 2023

Another bank holiday is ahead of us, so we hope you all enjoy a restful ‘royal’ weekend! Here is the round up of the latest information including a chance to win £1000 for your Coronation event!

 

• **NMC Statement regarding testing centre**

We would like to draw your attention to the following important information.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has received unusual and concerning data from a Pearson VUE test centre in Ibadan, Nigeria regarding the computer-based test (CBT) results of internationally educated nursing and midwifery professionals. As a result of this, testing at this centre has been stopped. To date, 512 individuals have taken their CBT at this centre, and the NMC has opened cases to review their entry onto the register. The NMC will write to these individuals, and this will include a request for information on their current employment status. They will pass on relevant information to employers once available. The NMC has also paused applications for those who have taken their CBT test at this centre and are at the application stage.

At this current time people that are on the register that have taken their test at this test centre can continue to work, but the NMC plans to review each individual’s full application. If fraudulent entry is found, they will take action in the public interest, and this may include suspension orders. The NMC also plans to offer those affected the opportunity to retake the CBT, with the cost covered by the test provider. However, resits, cannot be enforced, it will be up to the individual to agree to retake the test. Another point to note is that retaking the test does not guarantee an individual entry onto the register or allow them to remain on it. While employers are not required to take any specific action, they can contact the NMC at employerlinkservice@nmc-uk.org if they have any relevant information. It is important to note that Pearson VUE has also reviewed all data about the NMC’s CBT from every test site globally, and there is no evidence of similar activity at any other site.

More information can be found on the NMC website. We have also attached a letter and an FAQ from NMC directed at employers.

 

• Optimal Handed Care Review Day

Just a gentle reminder that the OHC team is holding their 1^st Optimal Handed Care Review Day on 16 May. The aim of the afternoon session is to:

• • Show you OHC Programme journey to date.
  • Share newly qualified OHC Ambassadors experiences.
  • Explore ideas on how to manage the necessary change in Somerset’s care provision.
  • Explore how to begin cascade training the 1:1 moving & handling techniques being endorsed by Somerset health and social care.

We understand that the Eventbrite booking system in the attached flyer is now saying there are no spaces available. If anyone would like to know more, please can you contact nicky.cooper@somerset.gov.uk

 

• Somerset Independent Living Centres

In the latest episode of the Somerset Emotional Wellbeing podcast, Somerset Independent Living Centres, hosts Dr. Peter Bagshaw and Dr. Andrew Tresidder are joined by Julian Bellew and Andrea Laker from Somerset Council to discuss what Independent Living Centres are, how they provide guidance and support to enable people to keep living independently and how you can access the centres when you need them. The embed code for social media is below:

<iframe class=”castos-iframe-player” src=https://60d5659ebcd547-86344209.castos.com/player/1471767 width=”100%” height=”150″></iframe>

 

• ‘Save our social care’ petition

Dimensions, has launched a petition calling on government to align care and support worker pay to NHS pay bands. This is underpinned by Dimensions’ workforce manifesto which was launched last year.

 

• Data Security

RCPA will be hosting a monthly workshop to promote good data security practices on the last Thursday of the month. Details for the event in May will be sent out next week.

 

• RWK Goodman

From our partner RWK Goodman – Introduction of a new care workforce pathway – an opportunity for employers?

 

• Skills for Care

Information and support from Skills for Care, please click here

 

• Celebrating the Coronation

And finally, if you are celebrating the coronation this weekend, be sure to check out NAPA’s Coronation Community of the Year Challenge! The title is ‘Coronation Community of the Year’  and £1,000 will be awarded to a care service that goes above and beyond to celebrate the Coronation. More details including application form attached. Closing date is 19^th May.

Hoping to see you at next week’s members’ call.