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Farewell and thank you South West - you are the best

Geoffrey Walker 10 Dec 2022

Dear All

At the RCN EGM on the 29 November a motion of no confidence was passed. Under RCN governance guidance this is not a binding decision. I have nonetheless decided to stand down from the position of Council member for the South West region and Chair of Dorset branch.

I have been immensely proud to have served the South West as your council member for the past four years. Your faith in me and your unswerving support has meant the world to me, especially through the more challenging times. It is never easy to hold office but your belief in me and your support has enabled me to always do my best for our members during my time in office. I would like to thank you all: South West regional board, RCN staff and South West members, for all your support.
 
I have nothing but happy memories of my time serving you all and have made many lifelong friends. It has been interesting and fun at times and I will remember all of that so fondly. We have laughed together, on occasion cried together, and we have taken this region to the historic vote to strike and that is an achievement for us all. We have said, ‘Enough is Enough’, and when the South West say it everyone listens!  
 
As I step away from office, I am not stepping away from RCN South West or its membership, or this great profession and I will continue to be a part of it. I wish my successor all the very best when elected for both RCN Council and Dorset branch.
 
Thank you all.
 
Geoffrey
Geoffrey Walker 2021 blog profile picture

Geoffrey Walker

RCN Council representative for the South West Region, Chair of the RCN Dorset Branch

Independent nurse advisor and quality improvement senior nurse advisor, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Previously Matron for Medicine, Cardiology and Ambulatory Care at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation NHS Trust.

Geoffrey trained at the West Cumberland Hospital in Cumbria before heading south to Poole.

He has just retired as matron at Poole Hospital where he had a large remit with over 500 staff and more than 22 departments.

He has been an RCN member for more than 30 years and represents the South West on RCN Council.

Page last updated - 11/09/2023