Dangerous people are pretending to be nurses – I have a plan to stop it

What do you think when you hear the word ‘nurse’?

For many, this seems to depict an individual who has received training, acquired certifications, and put in considerable effort.
work
to earn the title.

However, you might be surprised to find out that even today in the UK, the title ‘Registered Nurse’ is safeguarded, whereas the more frequently used term ‘nurse’ remains unprotected.

This implies, in practical terms, that
Anyone has the ability to refer to themselves as a nurse.
Regardless of their credentials, this poses a significant risk that needs to be addressed.

In 2025, this seems unimaginable to me, particularly since other typical professions such as ‘doctor’, ‘paramedic’, and ‘midwife’ receive legal protection.

This goes beyond mere professional pride—it’s about ensuring patient safety, maintaining public trust, and showing respect.

That’s why I’ll keep up my fight until we achieve this transformation.

The ‘#ProtectNurse’ campaign

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Led by Professor Alison Leary MBE, Paul Trevatt, and numerous others, this initiative has garnered extensive support from the healthcare sector. I’ve felt incredibly proud to spearhead this effort within the House of Commons.

I became engaged with this issue in 2021 due to my shock at learning that individuals lacking proper nursing credentials—or those who were removed from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registry, often for significant ethical violations—can still claim to be nurses under the law.

In the past, there have been several quite alarming instances.

Cassandra Grant
,a ‘reckless delusional’ individual who pretended to be a nurse during the Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, received a four-year prison sentence for falsely posing as a healthcare worker and participating in administering an injection to an injured rider at the event, as well as assisting when another person had a heart attack.

Only those listed on the NMC register would be able to refer to themselves as nurses, making it much harder for unqualified individuals to have unauthorized patient access, thus preventing such occurrences from happening.

Then there was
Kate Shemirani
, a nurse who asserted that 5G technology triggered COVID-19 symptoms and disseminated false information about vaccines. Although she was deregistered, she could still technically refer to herself as a nurse.

A probe conducted by Nursing Standard uncovered that numerous individuals employed within the NHS utilize the term ‘nurse’ in their job titles even though they lack proper registration. Additionally, 93 percent of NHS trusts include personnel employing this designation without possessing the necessary certifications.

In my opinion, this isn’t merely misleading—it could be potentially dangerous.

If someone mentions they’re a nurse, people naturally assume they’ve undergone rigorous training and adhere to strict regulations.

At this moment, such an assumption might lead to severe outcomes, and patients truly merit clear information.

This is why I’ve brought back my bill this year to safeguard the term ‘nurse’ under legal protection.

It would merely indicate that solely those
registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Could use that title; this would align our protections with those of other nations.

I’ve made it explicit that my bill won’t impact positions such as ‘dental nurse’ or ‘veterinary nurse.’ Their designations are well-defined and governed under distinct legislation, hence my bill includes a clear clause to exclude them from this alteration.

Professional nursing associations,
nursing unions
Patient safety organizations, charities supporting patients, and patient advocacy groups have all expressed backing for this safeguard. Notably, the Royal College of Nursing also supports it.

It appears that the public concurs—I must admit, I’ve been overwhelmed by the massive backing I’ve received.

This change was truly necessary for far too long. Four years back, I initially attempted to introduce this idea via an amendment to the Health and Care Bill. This amendment garnered widespread backing from more than 240 Members of Parliament, yet the previous Conservative government obstructed it.

However, I haven’t surrendered yet.

Now, I think we have a fantastic chance with a Labour government – which I am sure genuinely prioritizes patient safety.

We already have ready-to-use legislation to address this problem – my Nurses (Use of Title) Bill has been drafted, submitted to Parliament, and is scheduled for its Second Reading on June 20.

But we don’t have to wait – the Government, if it so chooses, can accept my Bill now and bring it into law.

My message to ministers is: Details will of course need to be worked out, but it should accept it in principle and work with me to bring about the change in legislation that patients and professionals need.

This isn’t about politics; it’s about basic logic and kindness. We must address this gap, maintain faith in our institutions, and honor the nursing field as it should be respected.

Therefore, I am urging my fellow members of Parliament from all parties to support my bill. It’s time we safeguard the term ‘nurse’ and ensure it signifies precisely what the general public believes it does: an individual who is trained, certified, governed, and genuinely accountable.

It’s now the moment. To ensure patient safety. Upholding professional integrity. In honor of each nurse who deserves to wear that title.

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