The rule requiring CCGs to recruit their lead nurse board member from outside the local area could be relaxed if groups struggle to find a suitable candidate, the NHS Commissioning Board Authority (NHSCBA) has admitted.
According to an Independent Nurse investigation, fewer than half of CCGs have a lead nurse appointed to their board. Many nurses have been put off applying because guidelines state nurses who 'provide any relevant service to a person for whom the CCG has responsibility' cannot take up the role.
'Recruitment is in its early stages but clearly, if problems with recruitment remain widespread, the NHSCBA would need to consider its response,' a spokeswoman said.
RCN director of policy Howard Catton (pictured) said the emphasis should be on getting the best people in place. 'Maybe we should look at relaxing the rules if they are stopping the most suitable person from getting the job,' he said.
Earlier this month, David Nicholson, chief executive of the NHS Commissioning Board, told Pulse magazine that he was open to a rethink on similar restrictions affecting consultants wishing to join CCG boards.