Calls for more nursing peers in House of Lords

Increasing the number of nurse peers in the House of Lords would give the profession more political cache.

University of Sydney professor of nursing and midwifery Jill White is conducting an international study into how nurses can better influence health policy.

Presenting the early findings of her research at last week’s World Health Organization nursing and midwifery conference in Glasgow, Professor White said nurses hold ‘exceptionally valuable knowledge’ and that boosting the number of nurse peers would give the profession more influence.

Bridge between patients and policy

Nursing Standard has previously lobbied for more nurses to be made peers with its Peer Pressure Campaign. 

There are 798 members of the Lords, but only four have a nursing background. 

Academic Mary Watkins became only the fourth peer with a nursing background elevated to the House of Lords when she was appointed in 2015. 

Professor White added that nurses were the bridge between patients and health policy.