Welcome to RCN Wales
Here you'll find news, events and opinions covering the health care issues in Wales, which includes the work that we do with the National Assembly for Wales, support for members and training and development opportunities brought to you by the RCN Wales Institute. At this point in time the content of this section of the website is only available in English.
Croeso i RCN Cymru
Fan hyn, fe welwch newyddion, digwyddiadau a barnau sy'n ymdrin â'r materion gofal iechyd yng Nghymru, sy'n cynnwys y gwaith a wnawn gyda Chynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru, cymorth i aelodau a chyfleoedd hyfforddi a datblygu a gyflwynwyd i chi gan Athrofa RCN Cymru. Ar hyn o bryd, mae cynnwys y rhan hon o'r wefan ar gael yn Saesneg yn unig.
Update from Tina Donnelly, Director RCN Wales
She writes…
As a UK-wide consultation on the labelling of alcohol beverages has been recently launched, the RCN is calling for a mandatory code to enforce the tighter regulation of the advertising, labelling and sale of alcohol. The RCN in Wales also believes the Welsh Assembly Government should seek the powers to reduce licensing hours, regulate printed advertising material and control the access to alcohol itself. There should also be a full-time alcohol liaison nurse in every emergency care department.
The RCN in Wales, in partnership with RCN Wales Learning Representative Carol Cleary from Abertawe Bro Morganwg Local Health Board, organised a successful motivational seminar for health care staff working within the NHS and independent sector at the Aberavon Hotel, Port Talbot. A selection of inspirational speakers featured throughout the day, including former Welsh international rugby player, Scott Quinnell who discussed his hardest test; overcoming dyslexia, which was featured in a `quick reads` publication - `The Hardest Test`. In addition, Billy Dixon, Ireland's only male image consultant, who has given some British and Irish politicians advice on how to present themselves in public, gave tips to the audience about putting their best forward.
Delegates heard from a patient, John Jones, who was severely injured in a motorcycle accident and since his recovery has been inspirational in his achievements, supporting and fund raising for the British Limbless Ex Servicemen Association (BLESMA). RCN learning representative Cheryl Lewis-Thomas told delegates about her work promoting learning and development opportunities within Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board. She has been tireless in her support for other health care support workers.
I was delighted to chair this event. The headlines are usually about waiting times, saving hospitals and delayed transfers of care, however a huge amount of vital work is carried out without fanfare by nurses in their communities.
RCN Wales Deputy Director Richard Jones, and Helen Whyley, Professional Officer visited the A & E Department at Morriston Hospital, Swansea with Kirsty Williams AM, Leader of Welsh Liberal Democrat AM to speak with front line staff regarding Service Delivery.
In addition, I spoke at the Nurse Consultant 10 Years on Conference at Cavendish Square run by healthcare events and chaired by Dr Kim Manley CBE.
Ann Taylor Griffiths, Chair of the Welsh Board, hosted a fringe event at the Welsh Conservative Conference on the theme of providing dignified care and ensuring safe staffing levels in a tough financial crisis. Jill Galvani, Nurse Director of Betsi Cadwaladr Local Health Board, gave a moving account of her own experiences as a carer and as a young nurse as well as explaining how she very much views ensuring the provision of safe and dignified nursing care as the core responsibility of a Nurse Director. The political guest was the Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Andrew RT Davies AM and later in the day I met with him to emphasis the RCN's growing concerns about pressures on nursing across Wales.
Booking and attending Congress 2010
Find information about booking your place at Congress, accommodation, how to get to Bournemouth and details about the venue, from the Congress webpages.