Congress 2008 highlights
Congress 2007 progress report
On Monday afternoon, Sandra James, RCN Chair of Council, presented an update on the work that each of the Council committees has done on behalf of members over the past year to progress the 29 resolutions passed.
Progress reports on each of the resolutions from Congress 2007.
In opening the session, Sandra said the last 12 months have been tough and that the RCN has never worked harder to speak out for nurses and support the care of patients.
She highlighted that since last Congress a huge amount of important work has taken place with major projects looking at issues such as nutrition, HIV and patient safety. The RCN has continued to be highly successful in influencing politicians, policy makers and the media on health care policy and regulation.
Sandra spoke of the many new initiatives developed over the past year including the new counselling service for members, the new website and the Strategic Plan 2008-2013 which will ensure a strong future for the RCN.
The issue of pay was high on the agenda in 2007 and Sandra said that the subsequent high profile, high impact campaigning on pay has resulted in what she believes is now the best offer for members.
Sandra concluded her report by thanking members for their continued support and incredible energy as well as ongoing commitment to the RCN.
Sandra then invited questions from Congress delegates. She was joined on stage by Jenny Booth, Chair of the RCN Nursing Development Committee, Kathleen McCourt, Chair of the RCN Public Policy Committee, Alan Mawbey, Chair of the RCN Membership, Representation and Diversity Committee and Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary, to respond to questions.
A number of members asked for clarification and further information on a number of resolutions from 2007. Sandra assured members that work is ongoing and said that any feedback or further questions on progress is welcome.