This morning, the UK government finally published its long-delayed NHS workforce plan for England. We have joined many other organisations in calling to see the full detail for how the plan will be funded and implemented.
The release of this plan must mark a moment where all players begin to shift to discussing meaningful and long-term solutions before the staff shortages bite even harder.
More than 100,000 of you voted for further strikes across England, but laws imposed on trade unions means we did not reach the threshold to take more industrial action.
Whilst the result was disappointing for many, we now have an incredible opportunity to build on the foundations you created through your months of strike action, your refusal to be silenced and your determination to challenge. As we reflect on the past few months and consider what the future holds, I would like to thank you for your enduring commitment not only to your profession, but to your patients and the public.
Many of you joined me on Tuesday to discuss the ballot results and our next steps – the session is available to watch back online.
This week, the first nurse spoke to the Covid public inquiry about how the country should have been better prepared for a pandemic. The RCN’s Professional Lead for Infection Prevention and Control, Rose Gallagher MBE, gave her evidence to the UK COVID-19 inquiry. Rose spoke emphatically about how the shortage of at least 50,000 nurses led to an overwhelmed and at-risk workforce. We will continue to push for answers to your questions and to advocate on your behalf.
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday July 10, and I urge you to be part of this important moment – either in person in Manchester or online - by voting on three important resolutions. They will provide stability and allow for growth and positive change following the external reports by KPMG and Bruce Carr KC into the governance and culture at the RCN. You can read more on our website.
One of the greatest privileges of my role is to hear from members sharing their remarkable insight into how nursing impacts and shapes lives outside of our profession. In recent weeks, we’ve heard from nursing staff who were part of the Windrush generation, those who advocate for LGBTQ+ colleagues and patients and others who are passionate about busting myths around both people with learning disabilities, and the nursing specialism itself. These examples are a reminder to us all that nursing both represents and reflects society in the UK and touches every part of our lives.
This week, we’ve celebrated Care Home Open Week and shown why student placements in this area can be so enriching, and how, as care home staff, our members make a tangible difference delivering resident-focused care.
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending our first ever RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards in Edinburgh. It was a wonderful event, full of inspiring nursing colleagues who are – without exception – making extraordinary contributions to patient care.
And in Cardiff last night, we celebrated the 10th annual RCN Wales Nurse of the Year Awards. This occasion was significant, not only because it marked a decade of recognising excellence in nursing, but because it also serves as testament to the incredible dedication and compassion shown by our health care.
This week, we shared the worrying findings of a survey on student nurse finance in Scotland. Financial pressures are having an impact on mental and physical health and academic performance for many nursing students, forcing them to consider leaving their course because they can no longer afford to keep studying. We are calling on the Scottish government to boost the financial package to ensure nursing students can complete their studies without falling into financial hardship.
Earlier in the week, RCN Wales strike action scheduled for 12 and 13 July was paused following an offer by the Welsh Government to undertake further talks on the non-pay elements of the pay award announced last month. As a result, the upcoming RCN Wales statutory ballot, due to open on the 3 July, is also on hold.
I had the honour of speaking up for our profession at a panel event at Glastonbury last weekend. It was an opportunity to bring the voice of nursing to a new audience, full of people who recognise your struggle and support your endeavours. I was privileged to meet up with members giving their time to support more than 5,000 people in the medical facilities during the festival. As Pride season comes to an end, thank you for supporting your patients and colleagues all year round through allyship, advocacy inclusivity and equality.
The release of this plan must mark a moment where all players begin to shift to discussing meaningful and long-term solutions before the staff shortages bite even harder.
More than 100,000 of you voted for further strikes across England, but laws imposed on trade unions means we did not reach the threshold to take more industrial action.
Whilst the result was disappointing for many, we now have an incredible opportunity to build on the foundations you created through your months of strike action, your refusal to be silenced and your determination to challenge. As we reflect on the past few months and consider what the future holds, I would like to thank you for your enduring commitment not only to your profession, but to your patients and the public.
Many of you joined me on Tuesday to discuss the ballot results and our next steps – the session is available to watch back online.
This week, the first nurse spoke to the Covid public inquiry about how the country should have been better prepared for a pandemic. The RCN’s Professional Lead for Infection Prevention and Control, Rose Gallagher MBE, gave her evidence to the UK COVID-19 inquiry. Rose spoke emphatically about how the shortage of at least 50,000 nurses led to an overwhelmed and at-risk workforce. We will continue to push for answers to your questions and to advocate on your behalf.
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday July 10, and I urge you to be part of this important moment – either in person in Manchester or online - by voting on three important resolutions. They will provide stability and allow for growth and positive change following the external reports by KPMG and Bruce Carr KC into the governance and culture at the RCN. You can read more on our website.
One of the greatest privileges of my role is to hear from members sharing their remarkable insight into how nursing impacts and shapes lives outside of our profession. In recent weeks, we’ve heard from nursing staff who were part of the Windrush generation, those who advocate for LGBTQ+ colleagues and patients and others who are passionate about busting myths around both people with learning disabilities, and the nursing specialism itself. These examples are a reminder to us all that nursing both represents and reflects society in the UK and touches every part of our lives.
This week, we’ve celebrated Care Home Open Week and shown why student placements in this area can be so enriching, and how, as care home staff, our members make a tangible difference delivering resident-focused care.
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending our first ever RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards in Edinburgh. It was a wonderful event, full of inspiring nursing colleagues who are – without exception – making extraordinary contributions to patient care.
And in Cardiff last night, we celebrated the 10th annual RCN Wales Nurse of the Year Awards. This occasion was significant, not only because it marked a decade of recognising excellence in nursing, but because it also serves as testament to the incredible dedication and compassion shown by our health care.
This week, we shared the worrying findings of a survey on student nurse finance in Scotland. Financial pressures are having an impact on mental and physical health and academic performance for many nursing students, forcing them to consider leaving their course because they can no longer afford to keep studying. We are calling on the Scottish government to boost the financial package to ensure nursing students can complete their studies without falling into financial hardship.
Earlier in the week, RCN Wales strike action scheduled for 12 and 13 July was paused following an offer by the Welsh Government to undertake further talks on the non-pay elements of the pay award announced last month. As a result, the upcoming RCN Wales statutory ballot, due to open on the 3 July, is also on hold.
I had the honour of speaking up for our profession at a panel event at Glastonbury last weekend. It was an opportunity to bring the voice of nursing to a new audience, full of people who recognise your struggle and support your endeavours. I was privileged to meet up with members giving their time to support more than 5,000 people in the medical facilities during the festival. As Pride season comes to an end, thank you for supporting your patients and colleagues all year round through allyship, advocacy inclusivity and equality.
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