If there is one thing that we can take from the past few months, it is that inequality remains rife throughout the health care sector and in ways as diverse as our membership.
I write this following the conclusion of this year’s Black History Month, a four-week celebration and recognition of the contribution made to nursing by, and the lived experience of, our colleagues from the global majority. As a region, we have highlighted these achievements in a number of ways, not least with our annual BHM Conference, the theme of which was ‘Anti-Racism – Silence will not protect you’. We had an excellent turnout for this event and were educated and inspired in equal measure by some fascinating speakers.
Included, as always, in this annual celebration was the presentation of our Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion awards. This year’s winners represented excellent examples of the power of allyship as many of those recognised work in service of improving health outcomes for those from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community. I find it tremendously rewarding to be able to shine a light on these projects and would urge you to read about this work for yourself here.
As always, there is always more to be done when it comes to addressing issues of inequality and I am proud to be able to share with you the launch of a brand new group, the RCN North West Multicultural Group. Led by members Mark Anthony and Olanike Babalola, this group welcomes our allies and will explore the issues that those in the healthcare community face when it comes to race, discrimination and equality. Together, we will seek ways to challenge and dismantle them. We’re launching the group at an event in our offices on 21st November. Read more about it and register to attend here.
Elsewhere, the fight for pay parity continues on many different fronts. Our pressure on the government has contributed to their decision to provide funding for non-NHS organisations to give one-off payments to staff on dynamically linked Agenda for Change contracts. Additionally, we continue to campaign for all staff employed by GP practices, including nurses, to receive the uplift they deserve and in line with that award made to salaried GPs in England. Whilst there is pay disparity across the different sections of our membership, we can not and will not take our foot off the gas in pushing for a better deal for all.
Within our region, we continue to fight for a fair and appropriate pay rise for our members on the Isle of Man. At the time of writing, we are just about to launch, for the second time this month, an online consultative survey of members following a further pay offer from employer Manx Care. The battle for what is reasonable and right for our members feels like a slow crawl at times but, thanks to the many highly engaged and knowledgeable members on the island who have been galvanised by this drip-feed of a negotiation, I have absolute faith that we will finally reach an agreement of which we can be satisfied and proud. Local members, look out for the email with your link to vote and make sure you use it before 27th November, when the survey will close.
As the conflict in Israel and Palestine continues, we know that many RCN members will be concerned for family and friends in the area, and many more will find news coming out of the Middle East distressing. The RCN is here to help 365 days a year with advice and support for all members. This is an emotionally fraught time and there may be different views on the conflict. I would urge you all to be respectful of one another’s perspectives and continue to work within the NMC code.
As we head into the darker months of winter, I will take this opportunity to encourage you to practice self-care, in whatever form helps you the most. Ensuring we get both adequate rest and adequate exercise is a daily challenge for many of us and, as the pressure of the winter season grows, then it can be harder than ever to look after yourself. As the saying goes, fit your own oxygen mask before helping others – to care for your patients, you first need to care for yourself.
If you’re facing difficulties, whether they be professional, financial or health-related, we can help. We have a wealth of advice guides on our website, along with the contact details you need for our advisors at RCN Direct. These resources are all included in your membership and may hopefully provide the support you need when things are getting tough. The RCN Foundation provides support for any member of the nursing family. Go to our help pages to find out more.
As I sign out, I continue to wish you all well. Look after and be kind to yourselves and to each other. Compassion and empathy makes a huge difference to us all, especially to those who hide their pain behind a smile.
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