Compulsory criminal record checks extended to NHS staff

Health Minister John Hutton has announced that all eligible new recruits into the NHS must undergo checks on their criminal record, under new measures to increase patient safety. From early next year, Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks will become mandatory for every new recruit with access to patients as part of their normal duties.

Staff requiring checks will include all medical, nursing and other staff with direct patient contact, as well as staff whose work provides access to patients,... (90 more words)

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