The GPC and RCGP has partnered with the NMC to inform GPs that nurses cannot legally practise in the UK unless they are registered with the NMC.

The group is contacting GPs across the UK to remind them that practices which do not perform the required checks on nurses may find themselves facing contract sanctions and nurses may be liable for prosecution for claiming to be registered when they are not.

GPC chairman Dr Laurence Buckman said: ‘GPs will recognise the importance of making sure the qualifications of all their practice staff are properly checked before they are appointed.

‘If they weren’t aware of the NMC’s free confirmation service already we would recommend they use it as it's a valuable resource.’

The NMC's service helps GPs to check a nurse’s current registration status and details of any conditions of practice, cautions or suspensions issued as a result of fitness-to-practise proceedings.

RCGP chairwoman Dr Clare Gerada said: ‘Practice nurses play an invaluable role in the primary care team, but nurses cannot legally practise in the UK unless they are registered with the NMC.

‘Practices must ensure that anyone appointed to a nursing post holds the necessary qualifications and effective registration with the NMC before starting employment – and the NMC enables practices to do this quickly and effectively.’

Professor Judith Ellis interim NMC chairwoman, said: ‘As the regulator for the UK’s 670,000 nurses and midwives, it is the NMC’s duty to ensure the health and wellbeing of patients and the public.

‘Nurses and midwives cannot legally practise in the UK unless they are registered with the NMC. A nurse practising without registration puts themselves and their patients at risk.’