Looking back at RCN Congress

Published: 28 May 2012

Find out how HCAs and APs made a difference at the largest nursing event of the year

The red t-shirts of the RCN’s health care assistant and assistant practitioner (HCA and AP) members made an impact throughout RCN Congress 2012, with events running over three days.

HCAs and APs were visible when they were in the auditorium listening to the keynote speakers and taking part in debates, as well as participating in specific seminars covering issues from dementia to inclusion of people with learning disabilities in health services.

Tanis Hand, RCN HCA and AP Adviser, said: “This was the best year yet for HCAs and APs at Congress.

“Our big success was the shared programme for HCAs, APs and students. We had a series of excellent seminars running throughout Congress week, which were really well received by delegates.

“I’m looking forward to our HCA and AP members making an even bigger impact at Congress 2013.”

Addressing HCAs, APs and students on the Monday of Congress, RCN President Andrea Spyropoulos described how she had overheard a conversation where a member pointed out the auditorium to a first time delegate and said “this is where the magic happens”.
She said: “I thought what a fantastic thing to say. It made me think about what Congress is for – all nurses and people who nurse.
“You make the difference and I am so proud of you.”

Visit the RCN Congress 2012 website for reports and videos from the event.

RCN Congress and Exhibition 2013 will be held in the Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool, from 21-25 April.

Seminar round-up

Members of the RCN’s HCA and AP Committee ran an acclaimed session on the Principles of Nursing Practice, which used patient stories to help delegates to apply the principles in the workplace. Among the stories they discussed were a scenario featuring an older person and one featuring a health care colleague; examining how they accessed treatment and whether they were treated with dignity.

An interactive seminar, led by Sharon Almond from the RNIB, looked at the most common effects of sight loss, as well as examining what health settings and health care professionals can do to help people who are losing their sight. The RNIB’s work and support was also highlighted.

Powerful seminars about understanding the experience of dementia were led by Rachel Thompson, RCN Dementia Project Manager, and Trevor Jarvis who has vascular dementia and is an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society.

The sessions explored a range of issues including how dementia can affect people and described how simple therapeutic interventions including tips for communication, understanding a person's life story, activity, environmental changes and music can make a positive difference.

Having a person with dementia share their story really helped delegates understand issues faced by people living with dementia and their families.

Delegates shared their working and personal experiences in a hugely popular seminar called “Can you talk about dying?”
Led by Amanda Cheesley, RCN Long-term Conditions Adviser, with HCA committee member James Hellard, delegates discussed how best to discuss end of life care with patients and their families.

First time HCAs and APs at Congress share their views

Shane Byrne
Trainee assistant practitioner, Lancaster

“This is the first time I have been to Congress and I’ve enjoyed it. I have come on my own, but I met someone in the first five minutes and spent the rest of the day wandering around with them and making new friends.

“I went to the talk about dying which was quite relevant to my work with acute patients with bowel cancer.”

Marie Stewart
Health care support worker, Scottish Highlands

“It is my first time at Congress and I found it quite daunting at first. I have enjoyed it – it has been really good.
“I do not work in the NHS, I work in a hospice where staffing is never an issue. I am very lucky to have a job I love doing.”

Richard Coomber
Health care assistant, Reading

“It is good to come, network and meet other people who work in similar circumstances I would not normally meet.
“I went to two specialist seminars, on dementia and the Principles of Nursing Practice. Seeing Andrew Lansley was the first Congress thing I had seen. I went in with no expectation and I found it quite interesting.”