Nursing and Midwifery Council v Armstrong

MR JUSTICE SWIFT: 1 The first step to be taken now will consideration of the Rule 33 application. If that is successful, that will be the end of the proceedings. If that is not successful, then there will be a merits hearing. 2 Again, you are asking for a further 4 months. I cannot help but notice that even though this is a restriction of practise of order rather than a suspension it has been in place over an extended period now. I appreciate there had have some unavoidable delays in terms of the criminal process but it is still 19 months or so since April last year when the criminal proceedings were discontinued 3 I also appreciate there have been some difficulties obtaining sufficient medical evidence to deal with the Rule 33 application. But I think minds do need to be focused on cases where restrictions or suspensions have been in place over extended periods of time. It is unsatisfactory that professional disciplinary proceedings remain open over extended periods. I will make the order this time, but I would not expect a further application to be necessary, unless there were genuinely compelling reasons for that application. CERTIFICATE Opus 2 International Ltd. Hereby certifies that the above is an accurate and complete record of the judgment or part thereof. Transcribed by Opus 2 International Ltd. (Incorporating Beverley F. Nunnery & Co.) Official Court Reporters and Audio Transcribers 5 New Street Square, London EC4A 3BFTel: 020 7831 5627 Fax: 020 7831 7737 [email protected] This transcript has been approved by the Judge.