Report of Congress 2008
Sandra James, Chair of Council addressed a packed auditorium and began by saying the RCN has worked harder than ever before for its members and the Report of Congress 2008 clearly reflects this. Sandra also reiterated Council's accountability to members and that the organisation must ensure members' views are taken into consideration when taking issues forward.
Sandra reflected on some lively debates from Congress 2008 with particular reference to the agenda item on contract cleaning which has resulted in a stream of work in England (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have all now committed to ending the use of non-NHS cleaning staff). The RCN is currently waiting for the results of a cleanliness membership survey, which will be followed by a policy briefing on the use of contract cleaners in the NHS (England).
Following the Lost generation resolution, which highlighted the lack of funding, resources and support to parents and young carers, the RCN has been lobbying at local and national levels to push for a mechanism to identify young carers in need of help. Sandra reported that the Government has committed £3.4m funding to support young carers. A young carers' forum is also in development which will act as a platform for people to speak about issues.
Among the many questions from members were queries about the consultation of the submitting entities on 2 of the items. One member asked how people could get updates on work after Congress as there were many projects ongoing; she was signposted to the RCN website where policy briefings and other documents on Congress work would be available.
At the end of the session, there was a lighthearted exchange of opinions on the Sporting chance matter for discussion (no. 23), where it was highlighted that the RCN has set up a group to look at nursing's involvement in the 2012 Olympics and how we could best raise health promotion issues in the run up to the games. One member stated that occupational health nurses are all ready providing sexual health screening to workers at the Olympic site.