Blogs
25
blog posts
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17 Jun 2025
Independent health and social care update
As we settle into summer, I thought it would be a good time to pause, reflect and share a bit about what I have been up to so far this year and remind you about some of the RCN professional resources you can tap into as members working in independent health and social care (IHSC).
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12 May 2025
An update from your South West Council member
I’m finally sitting on a seat on attempt two to start my journey up to Congress 2025 and I reflect what a whirlwind the last few months have been. I must start by thanking everyone who voted for me to be the South West Council member – it is indeed a great honour but wow, what a 6 months it has been.
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16 Apr 2025
Six busy months as interim director for RCN South West
It’s been six months since I became interim director for the South West region. I’m loving being back in this role surrounded by a fantastic team who are working hard to support members on a huge range of matters across workplaces in the region. With the NHS facing ongoing financial pressures our staff are working hard to ensure members are treated fairly and nursing is valued in the change agendas.
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10 Apr 2025
Joint Representatives' Spring conference, 13-14 March 2025, Bristol
I recently attended the RCN Joint Reps’ conference in Bristol. It was a real pleasure to work with my fellow UK committee members: Matthew Stewart, UK Stewards Committee member, and Vicky Brotherton, UK Safety Reps Committee Chair, and with them, to represent the South West region at the event. In fact, it was great to meet fellow reps from across our region and beyond.
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25 Feb 2025
What makes a health and safety representative with the RCN?
The simple answer it is YOU.
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17 Dec 2024
Review of 2024
I can’t believe we are coming to the end of another year; it only seems like yesterday I was thinking about and planning for the year ahead. I’ve been reflecting on the last year, as there have been many opportunities to connect and work with members and employers in independent health and social care services across the South West region.
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30 Oct 2024
Developing a nursing network
Samantha blogs about the challenges and obstacles to developing an inclusive nursing network in primary care, and the numerous benefits seen in collaborative working, nursing education, retention, restorative clinical supervision and patient care as a consequence of this innovation.
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4 Sep 2024
Handing over the baton
In 2018 a casual vacancy arose on the UK Stewards Committee (UKSC), and someone was needed to take on this role for the South West. I had not long completed training to be an RCN steward and felt that maybe I was not experienced enough in the ways of the RCN to take on this responsibility, but I thought about it and spoke to my Branch Chair, Vicky Brotherton. With her encouragement, I did submit my application, and left the decision in the hands of the members of the South West region. I was delighted when they put their trust in me and voted me on to the committee.
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24 Jul 2024
Affordable parking and transport matters
I’m passionate about my work and have found my place in critical care. I feel it is important that we make these traumatic times better for people. It frustrates me that many people think nursing staff do little more than hold hands and plump pillows; we are far more than that.
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12 Jul 2024
Representing RCN members at the European Federation of Public Service Unions' 11th Congress
The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) represents 8 million public service workers across Europe and has significant influence over the policies and decisions of employers, governments and institutions. The RCN, as a major membership stakeholder, sits on the executive and the EPSU Congress is held every five years. This year the event was held over three days in Bucharest, Romania, and I attended representing the Professional Nursing Committee as Vice Chair alongside three delegates: Denise Kelly, Dennis Greer and Jackie Davies representing the RCN Trade Union Committee, and Brian Morton, RCN Associate Director for Employment Relations.
