Royal College of Nursing Representing nurses and nursing, promoting excellence in practice, shaping health policies

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Milton Keynes

RCN Milton Keynes branch

If you're an RCN member working in Milton Keynes, you're automatically a member of our Milton Keynes branch. Welcome to your nursing community.

Getting involved in our branch means more than attending meetings. Whether you’re organising for better conditions, supporting a colleague or pushing for systemic change, your involvement helps turn shared concerns into collective action.

Your branch team

  • Chair: Catherine Apiaka
  • Treasurer: Sharon Mitchel
  • Secretary: Stephen Shouler
  • Committee Member (BAME Lead): Abigail Boateng
  • Committee Member (NSW Lead): Elizabeth Gleeson
  • Committee Member (LGBTQ+ Lead): Sharon Mitchel

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Meet your branch team

 

Catherine Apiaka

Milton Keynes - Catherine Apiaka

Hi, my name is Catherine. I am charge nurse at Chadwick Lodge working for Elysium Healthcare in Milton Keynes. I am also an RCN Steward. 

I am very honoured to take the role of Branch Chair this year.

Sharon Mitchel

Branch Treasurer - Sharon Mitchel

Hi, I am currently an HCA Practice Educator at Milton Keynes University Hospital and support members through my roles as an RCN Steward and RCN Learning Rep.

I am also the South East member of the RCN UK NSW Committee. 

I am very honoured to take the role of Branch Treasurer this year, having previously been Chair for two years.

 

Stephen Shouler

Branch Secretary - Stephen Shouler

Hi my name is Stephen. I am a Senior Staff Nurse in the Dermatology Department, in the Outpatients Department at Milton Keynes University Hospital.                                                                             

I am also in involved with the RCN through helping to support members in my roles as an RCN Steward and as an RCN Learning Rep. 

This is my third year being Branch Secretary. 

RCN Milton Keynes Branch Newsletter

After a little break, we are delighted to be once again be sharing our Milton Keynes Branch Newsletter.

Please click on the first link to see the latest issue (with previous issues listed below). We hope you enjoy it!

Milton Keynes Branch Newsletter March 2025

Milton Keynes Branch Newsletter October 2024

Milton Keynes Branch Newsletter July 2024

Milton Keynes Branch Newsletter January 2024

Milton Keynes Branch Newsletter September 2022

Milton Keynes Branch Newsletter May 2022

Milton Keynes Branch Newsletter February 2022

All branch events

Our branch annual general meeting (AGM)

Every year, our branch holds its annual general meeting (AGM). We review our branch activity over the past twelve months, before mapping out what we want to achieve over the next year. It's also a chance to discuss with your fellow branch members the issues which are most important to you right now.

This is your chance to help set the nursing agenda. Details of the next AGM will be posted in the events section as soon as available.




Our branch and RCN Congress

Branches play a key role in RCN Congress. Our members can submit debate topics for the annual conference, which are then discussed and voted on by the wider membership, influencing the RCN's future work.

All members can attend RCN Congress for free. There are also fully funded voting places for members, where travel, accommodation and food are provided. Voting members are there to listen, participate and vote on resolutions that are proposed by RCN branches, forums and committees across the UK.

This year's applications for funded voting places are closed. Details of 2026 funded places will be posted here as soon as available.

Hear from members across our region



473 blog posts
  • Paul Morris Paul Morris 28 May 2025

    Working with you

    New RCN Regional Director of the Eastern and East Midlands regions, Paul Morris, talks about RCN Congress and the challenges facing nursing.

  • Dr Katie Davis Dr Katie Davis 27 May 2025

    Take Five to Age Well: Empowering people towards healthier lives

    This blog is aimed at all members but will be of particular interest to those who have an interest in public health and healthy aging. Take5 is running for the month of May in 2025. 

  • Tamsin Fletcher-Salt Tamsin Fletcher-Salt 27 May 2025

    The roller coaster of hybrid closed loop roll out

    One year after the UK rollout of hybrid closed-loop systems, this Blog highlights the significant positives for patients, including improved glucose management, fewer hypoglycaemic episodes, and increased freedom.

  • Professor Nicola Ranger Professor Nicola Ranger 23 May 2025

    Nursing pay: we need a pathway to progression

    General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger reflects on the recent announcements on NHS pay awards and RCN Congress 2025. 

  • Paul Trevatt Paul Trevatt 22 May 2025

    Why doesn’t England have its own cancer plan (and does it matter)?

    RCN Fellow Paul Trevatt (RN, FRCN, MSc, BSc Hons, Dip Counselling) charts a potted history of England’s cancer strategy and says nursing staff should advocate for the cancer care patients deserve.

  • Claire Sutton Claire Sutton 21 May 2025

    Hear from Claire: Reflections on ‘Adult Social Care – Is Nursing the Solution?’

    On Tuesday 6 May, the Royal College of Nursing brought together an extraordinary range of voices from across the UK to set the background and start to explore a critical and timely question: Is nursing the solution to the adult social care crisis?

  • Melissa Stanton Melissa Stanton 20 May 2025

    Crystal Care- A Model of Nursing-Led Excellence in Social Care

    Crystal Care is a leading independent health and social care provider, delivering high-quality, person-centred support across a wide range of settings, including domiciliary care, residential care homes, and day centres.

  • Emma Trudgill Emma Trudgill 20 May 2025

    From Birth to Advocacy: A Midwife’s Journey Supporting Life After Childhood Brain Injury

    My name is Emma Trudgill and I am an RCN North-West member. I work within the independent sector as a midwife and clinical advisor, supporting families and individuals affected by childhood-acquired brain injuries. Many of the families I work with are facing life-changing challenges, often the result of avoidable injuries sustained during birth or in the early postnatal period.

  • Michael Fanning Michael Fanning 19 May 2025

    RCN Dementia Awareness Week 2025

    In a very moving account, South East Board Chair, Michael Fanning, reflects on "finding the joy in the moment" when supporting a friend with dementia.

  • Patricia Hughes Patricia Hughes 19 May 2025

    Recognising and responding to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

    RCN Associate Director for Nursing Practice, Patricia Hughes, shares her reflections on her recent attendance at the newly established all-party parliamentary group for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Elections and appointments

Get more involved by putting yourself forward as a candidate for Council, a board, a committee or a forum. You can also make your voice heard by voting in our current elections.
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Put forward an agenda item for Council

Members can submit an agenda item for Council to discuss at one of their meetings. If your submission is accepted, you can present it to Council during the meeting, either remotely or in person.
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Page last updated - 10/06/2025