Nursing And Midwifery Council v Coombs

Nursing And Midwifery Council v Coombs

Given the seriousness of the allegations, ongoing risk to patient safety, and the need to maintain public confidence, the extension of the interim order is necessary and proportionate despite delays, especially as a specialist panel review is imminent and the applicant has committed to expedite the investigation.

Parties
Applicant: Nursing and Midwifery Council; Respondent: Anthony John Coombs
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
25 August 2020
Procedural Posture
Regulatory/administrative / Application for Extension of Interim Order
Outcome
Application granted
Legal Topics
Extension of Interim Orders, Fitness to Practice, Delay in Regulatory Proceedings, Public Interest Vs Practitioner Prejudice
Administrative Law Professional Regulation Extension of Interim Orders Fitness to Practice Delay in Regulatory Proceedings Public Interest Vs Practitioner Prejudice

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Applicant

Anthony John Coombs

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Regulatory/administrative / Application for Extension of Interim Order

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to grant a nine-month extension of an interim conditions of practice order against the respondent nurse
  2. 2 Whether the delay in concluding the investigation justifies continued restriction
  3. 3 Whether the public interest outweighs prejudice to the respondent

Ratio Decidendi

Given the seriousness of the allegations, ongoing risk to patient safety, and the need to maintain public confidence, the extension of the interim order is necessary and proportionate despite delays, especially as a specialist panel review is imminent and the applicant has committed to expedite the investigation.

Court Disposition

Application granted

Orders

  • Extension of interim conditions of practice order for nine months granted
  • Applicant to ensure future investigations are expedited and court's observations are noted for any further applications