Abstract

"The NMC is your new, independent regulatory body. It is important that you recognise the importance of its role". On the 1st April, the NMC takes over as the new, independent regulatory body for nursing and midwifery, replacing the UKCC and the four national boards. On such a momentous occasion, it is incumbent upon us as reflective practioners to look back over the life of the UKCC and see what lessons we can learn. We should also ask what necessitated the change in professional regulation and how we as midwives may work with the new Council to promote good practice, deal with bad practice and ensure public protection. The relationship between midwives and the UKCC had not always been an easy one. [Extract from the article's introduction].