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CMF Responses to NMC Draft Code of Professional Conduct 2014

Published: 11th August 2014

Compared to the older 2008 code, this is much more detailed, includes (post Francis Report) a strong professional emphasis on compassion and care, integrity [clauses 92-100] a lot of specific clauses around the 'Duty of Candour' [clauses 4, 101-107], duty of 'whistle-blowing' [clauses 63-67], a lot more on the nurse patient relationship [clauses 11-44], nurse prescribing [clauses 59-62], conscientious objection, whole person care, and discussion of beliefs. There is also a new clause [114] on social networking (which, given the speed at which the technological and cultural trends are developing in social media, will probably need regular updating). The original code had 64 clauses. The new one has 115 - nearly 80% longer, and most of the existing clauses are far longer and more detailed in the new draft.

We welcome most of this, noting that it is patient focused, regularly addressing such key issues as integrity, openness, candour and compassion. The ethical values of truth telling, integrity, openness, impartiality, etc. are all strongly Biblical and as a Christian organisation we would endorse these broadly.

See full submission

See original consultation here.

For further information:

Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668

Media Enquiries:

Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225

About CMF:

Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.

CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.