Honorary President's blog
Hello Everyone!
As the Honorary President of the South Birmingham Branch, I would like to share with you the continuing success of the Branch activities. The Learning Hub, UHB was the venue for another interesting session in our Branch Development Programme on 23rd May 2012. Qualified nurses, healthcare assistants and military colleagues interacted with facilitator Ian Govier at the event entitled 'Energising for Excellence' and 'The Principles of Nursing Practice' - the latter document produced by a joint venture between the RCN, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Department of Health. See www.rcn.org.uk/nursingprinciples.
In light of the Honorary President's role in leading the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, one of the founder members of the Institute of Ageing and Health, Bernie Keenan, gave an overview of the organisation and encouraged members to volunteer at the Onneley Centre in Harborne. (For more details contact Emma, Centre Manager on 0121 428 2022 or email manager@onneleycentre.com). I visited the centre on 14th June and assisted with the preparation of a lunchtime buffet for 24 centre users to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. A great time was had by all! Although there are a few employees, volunteers are always welcome to help with the delivery of a varied programme of activities during the week. Discussion also took place regarding the possibility of student nurses gaining experience at the centre - this being taken further by the Branch Chairperson.
A second visit to the centre was made on 28th June when I shadowed the assistant centre manager. Assistance was given with serving the lunches, and I chatted to the centre users throughout my stay. I was made to feel very welcome by staff and centre users.
The bi-monthly Branch Development sessions continued in July - this time held at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Northfield. An interesting talk was given by Dr Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, Assistant Nursing Director of the East and West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, entitled 'Preventing Avoidable Harm to Patients'. An overview of the corporate social reponsibility (CSR) iniative was given to those present.
Our next branch meeting and professional development event is planned for Wednesday 19th September 2012 at 18.00hours at Birmingham City University, Westborne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3TN. (N.B. Free parking at the front of Bevan House). Dame Betty Kershaw will address 'Leadership in the Clinical Environment'.
Remember - these events are free for RCN members. Non members are welcome too for a £25 charge - which will be waived if they apply for RCN membershio on the day. To book your place please email julia.thomas@rcn.org.uk, or telephone 0121 450 4304.
Another date for your diary is the Branch AGM and professional development session on Monday 15th October 2012 - a half day event from 12noon. The venue is the Birmingham Medical Institute, 36 Harborne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3AF. Look out for more details.
We look forward to meeting with old friends and new. Do get involved with your branch.
Margaret Wills