§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether there is a maximum age for nurses within the NHS in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [155428]
§ Angela SmithThere is no compulsory retirement age for nurses, although local employers may have their own policy regarding retirement age.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) does not place upper age limits in relation to fitness to practice and registration.
The NMC is currently consulting on a proposal that as from 1 April 2004 it will require registrants to make a declaration in relation to good health and good character as part of their application for renewal of the periodic three year renewal of registration.