Human rights: how proposed changes to the law may affect patients

Proposed reforms to UK legislation will reduce accountability for government, experts warn, and could be at odds with nurses’ duty of care and code of conduct

Nursing is consistently rated in public polls as the most trusted, honest and ethically sound profession.

No doubt this support stems from the fact that, as nurses, we are duty-bound by our professional code . This instructs us to treat individuals considerately, kindly and indiscriminately, respecting their dignity.

Reforms that reduce government accountability

It reminds us to advocate for those in our care, helping them to access relevant health and social care, information and support. The vast majority of nurses do this without being duty-bound; it is an intrinsic part