Getting into the swing of things

Published: 30 April 2013

Tanis Hand reports on the end of a successful week at Congress and a jazzy farewell

RCN Congress always features a great amount of discussion, debate and education, and again this year health care assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) had the option of attending a programme of bespoke activities on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, ending with a celebration tea party.

The events were a buzz of activity and the tea, coffee and cakes make for a friendly atmosphere where people soon got networking and discussing their day at the biggest nursing event of the year. On Wednesday we took the opportunity to say goodbye to Gill Robertson who has been the student adviser for 11 years, with a very special addition to the celebration – the Wirral Grammar School for Girls Swing Band. 

The band played for us and they were absolutely fantastic. Their set was upbeat and fun, and soon they had people clapping along to the beat. They included all the hits we know and love, such as Glen Miller’s ‘In the mood’, which was perfect for the celebration and farewell.

Gill was presented with a crystal rock which was entirely fitting as she has truly been the rock for RCN nursing students for so many years. Gill’s new post is as an assistant RCN officer.

A lovely speech from RCN President Andrea Spyropoulos sent Gill on her way to Glasgow with a mixture of tears and smiles.