Biography: Heather Mercer
Seat
Surrey/Sussex (Chichester and Worthing).
Nursing and academic qualifications held: EdD, MA, RN, RHV.
Background
I am a qualified nurse, specialising in cancer and elder care, and health visitor and have worked in a variety of settings including the community, acute hospitals in both the independent and voluntary sectors and as a senior manger in European hospitals. I am also a Borough Councillor, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny and member of West Sussex Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and past Mayor of Worthing. I believe my experience has equipped me with skills to support and enhance the work of the South East Regional Board.
As an RCN activist, through the professional forum structure, I have been involved in the consultation process concerning the new devolution strategy and the role of regional boards.
The role of regional boards are multi-faceted and include influencing local health policy, implementing RCN strategy, feeding back to Council issues of local importance, representing nursing colleagues, raising issues affecting both clinical practice and employment relationships and facilitating effective communication between the membership and our RCN.
As a Forum Chair, I was privileged to attend the RCN 'Political Leadership Programme, which proved the most exciting programme I have ever undertaken. As a result I am now more politically aware and possess the skills to enable me to contribute in the important role the South East Board plays governance and in supporting the interests of members.