4 October 2002
8.The first measure is in response to a recommendation by the Royal Commission, which consulted widely. Public meetings were held in many cities, including Belfast.
9.Changes to the regulatory arrangements for nursing, midwifery and health visiting at national level have provided an opportunity to take forward the establishment of a new local nursing and midwifery body which will, as noted in paragraph 7, primarily focus on important areas of professional development falling outside the remit of the new NMC, and to carry out work on the NMC’s behalf. These proposals were the subject of wide consultation with statutory and voluntary sector agencies, political groups, Health and Social Services Councils, the Royal College of Nursing and other trades unions, etc., and those bodies which responded gave support to the proposals.