KATHRYN LEWORTHY reflects on nursing's big event, held in May this year at Harrogate.

Sunday 10 May

Just before the opening ceremony a multi-faith service was held in St Peter's Church. It was a time for personal reflection and prayers were given from a variety of faiths, but all related to a common passion in our lives which is, of course, nursing.

Back at the main auditorium in Harrogate International Conference Centre, the opening ceremony was inspiring as Fellowships and Awards of Merit were bestowed on deserving members of the RCN. For the first time an Honorary Fellowship was awarded to a non-nursing person, Dr Patricia Hamilton, for her work in developing partnerships with influential organisations in order to improve children's health. There were also awards for the Steward, Safety Representative and Learning Representative of the Year.

Monday 11 May

This was a very historic day for the RCN. The highly visible police presence that we noted on entering the conference centre was not there to prevent the nurses from rioting, but to safeguard the Prime Minister and then the Leader of the Conservative Party.

This was the first time in the 93 year history of the RCN that a Prime Minister has attended Congress. Gordon Brown abandoned his prepared speech and spoke from the heart, showing a clear understanding of the breadth and depth of nursing. David Cameron also spoke with insight, recognising and valuing the contribution of nurses.

Personally I feel it is good to have the leaders of the country acknowledge nurses and their role, but the fact remains that there is still a finite amount of money. This restricts the resources and services available, often limiting the number of nurses available and this ultimately reduces patient care.

Today also saw the launch of the newly re-organised forums in a celebration of the highest standards of professional and clinical knowledge and skills. The forums are exceptional resources for the RCN, giving the organisation credibility and effectiveness. Without forums the RCN would be just another trade union.

Tuesday 12 May

There was an early start for those attending the Florence Nightingale Remembrance Service on the anniversary of her birth. Following this Sandra James, Chair of RCN Council gave her report. Council is the group of people who provide strategic guidance for the way forward for the RCN. Its members are volunteers, giving up on average 40 days of the year.

The main business of Congress got underway with resolutions and matters for discussion being debated. Evidence-based arguments were thoughtfully, professionally and passionately presented.

One of the great strengths of the RCN was evident in the open consultation regarding proposed changes to the Congress Constitution which will require further clarification. It must have been disappointing for those who have spent the last four years revising this process to have it rejected. However, as Jason Warriner, Chair of Congress, pointed out it would be foolish to try to amend this document overnight and then be stuck with an unworkable process in the future.

Wednesday 13 May

The highlight of today was the keynote address by Sir Michael Parkinson, who told his own personal story which led him down the road towards being the Department of Health's Dignity Ambassador. He claims that: "Dignity in care will only happen if all of us appreciate and celebrate growing old, instead of fearing it." He also asked: "What's wrong with a wrinkle?" and reminded us of the time he lost his own dignity when attacked by an emu!

Later there was a question and answer session with Dr Peter Carter who answered all questions clearly and, just as importantly, took the members' concerns seriously.

Thursday 14 May

The last day of Congress began with many calculating if there was going to be enough time to debate all the resolutions and matters for discussion. The Chair of Congress acted fairly and firmly in stopping a post mortem on the failed motion to address the Constitution of Congress.

It is important to note that the professionalism of the members and the quality of the debate around this subject and yesterday's debate on assisted suicide were truly remarkable - a sign that the RCN is alive and well.

In between the packed debating sessions were fringe events that continued until the end of Congress. The RCN has provided dozens of fringe events, ranging from seminars to social gatherings, and for nursing students and health care assistants as well as for nurses of all grades.

The RCN launched a consultancy service for senior nursing staff in leadership positions, which fits in well with Resolution 13 asking for a strategy to be developed to support directors of nursing with executive responsibility in commissioning.

There were fringe events explaining the changes in pensions and the proposed changes in the structure of the RCN in response to changes in the law. Other fringe events gave updates on previous campaigns such as the Nutrition Now campaign.

There were workshops on how to handle stress in the workplace as well as clinical topics such as the causative factors of diabetic ketoacidosis in young people, how to prevent hospital-acquired venous thrombosis and how to control pain.

There was something for everybody and a common dilemma was how to choose which fringe event to attend.

Looking forward to next year!

Any member of the RCN can attend Congress. Will you be there in 2010? The OPD Forum has one vote per one thousand members so tell us ... What do you think about nursing? Nationally? Globally? In OPD generally? In your department?

Do help the OPD Forum Committee members know as our aim is to represent you - or then again, why not think about joining the committee yourself? You too can help influence policy and the future of OPD nursing.