Seen to be above suspicion.
Nurses must be completely above suspicion in their dealings with commercial sponsors and drug firms, according to new NHS Management Executive guidelines. Nurses should refuse to accept gifts, turn down hospitality they can not return and declare any connection with an outside business which may be seen as clouding their professional judgement, the advice says. Responsibility applies to all NHS staff, from those who commit resources directly, such as by ordering goods, to those involved in discharging patients to residential facilities who may have an interest in a private nursing home. The guidelines seem set to become increasingly important to nurses, as more take up purchasing positions, some have their posts sponsored, and the profession awaits the go-ahead for nurse prescribing. The new NHSME advice updates earlier guidelines and puts flesh on the bones of the UKCC Code of Professional Conduct.