Opinion  

Unfortunately, there are many examples of situations where nurses have spoken out and then had their opinions ignored. In Scotland, community nurses are increasingly frustrated and morale is at rock bottom as ministers push through reforms to which they have repeatedly objected.

Meanwhile, nurses' views on what constitutes a fair pay rise are also being ignored. Indeed, the prime minister has even chosen to ignore the views of the independent pay review body.

There are already signs that the pre-registration consultation will spark fierce debate. A government-commissioned study by the National Nursing Research Unit at Kings College London has warned that plans to move away from the branch training structure could damage mental health and learning disabilities nursing. Meanwhile, 20 senior children's nurses have written to the prime minister arguing that the introduction of a general nursing qualification for all nurses would be detrimental to children's nursing skills.

Post-registration education will be as controversial. Many community nurses fear the plans for five career pathways do not reflect the general skills needed in primary care, while other specialisms feel their area of expertise is not adequately represented.

It is very unlikely that the final outcome of either of these consultations will please everyone, but the NMC and the DoH must do their utmost to reach a consensus and ensure nurses' views are reflected.

The results of these consultations could lead to the biggest upheaval within nursing for decades and it is only right that whatever is decided is dictated by the profession itself.

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