Nursing and Midwifery Council v Rogers-Hughes

1. MR JUSTICE WYN WILLIAMS: Clearly in a case of this type I have no difficulty in concluding that it is in the public interest that the interim order should continue, although this does seem to be taking a very long time, given that the lady in question referred herself for her own misconduct.

2. MS SCARBROUGH: My Lord, yes. I can only apologise for the delay in the case thus far. My Lord, external solicitors did investigate the case and it did take a little bit longer with our external investigators. However, we are fortunately in a position now where the case has been progressed to the scheduling team. There are only anticipated to be two live witnesses in the matter and it is due to be listed for two days at some stage between September and November of this year. We are hoping for a very expeditious hearing once it goes ahead and, of course, my Lord anticipating that the allegations will not be challenged.

3. MR JUSTICE WYN WILLIAMS: No. No. Well, as I have said, looked at from the perspective that I must, this is clearly an appropriate case to make the order sought and accordingly I do so. I simply express the wish that the timetable that has been explained to me for the bringing of these disciplinary proceedings to fruition is strictly adhered to and I express the hope that in cases of this kind in the future the delay between first notification and final hearing can be made less.

4. MS SCARBROUGH: I am grateful, my Lord. Does my Lord have a copy of the draft order that I handed up earlier this morning?

5. MR JUSTICE WYN WILLIAMS: Well, I will do.

6. MS SCARBROUGH: I have another copy if --

7. MR JUSTICE WYN WILLIAMS: All right. Just in case.

8. MS SCARBROUGH: I am grateful.

9. MR JUSTICE WYN WILLIAMS: It is the 9th today, is it not?

10. MS SCARBROUGH: Yes, my Lord.

11. MR JUSTICE WYN WILLIAMS: Very well. Thank you very much.

12. MS SCARBROUGH: I am grateful.