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Royal Courts of JusticeWednesday, 14 November 2018
Before:
MR JUSTICE SWIFT
B E T W E E N :
NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL - and - | Applicant |
SMITHSON | Respondent |
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MR M BELLIS (instructed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council) appeared on behalf of the Applicant.
THE RESPONDENT did not appear and was not represented.
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J U D G M E N T
MR JUSTICE SWIFT:
You ask for a further 4 months. I am not entirely satisfied with this situation. The suspension has now been in place for 2 years, a long time. The need to revisit the charges, and the adjournment of the October hearing was very unfortunate, given the hearing had already been adjourned once, in March because Ms Smithson was unwell.
I will make an order in the form that you request, but may I say I will expect this case now to be given some sort of priority when it comes to relisting. I appreciate that dates will need to be found that are suitable for Ms Smithson, given that she bears no responsibility for the October adjournment was not her responsibility.
Nevertheless, the hearing must be listed in good time for it to be completed and a decision given well in advance of 14 March next year. I would not expect a further application for an extension to be made unless there was a genuinely compelling reason. If you could pass that on to those who instruct you I would be very grateful. I will make an order in the form that you have handed up in draft. Thank you.
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