Media insight: getting your voice heard 

“We want to know the truth”, advised Martin Barrow, Health Editor at The Times, as he addressed Congress delegates. Chaired by Janet Davies, RCN Executive Director of Nursing Service and Delivery, the session aimed to help members understand and work effectively with the media, and also featured Editor of Nursing Times Jenni Middleton on the panel. Questions focused on getting stories in the media and portraying the complexities of a profession that one member described as “demonised”.

“It’s important to build good relationships with your local press”, said Jenni, and create a “human interest story”. Martin pointed out the crucial role of journalists in exposing nursing stories such as Winterbourne, but added that we should look at “changing the narrative” and promoting everything good about the sector.

One member highlighted the positive media activity nurses led around the South West Pay Cartel, describing how the strong, collaborative relationships they developed with local journalists helped achieve the successful outcome.  

However many raised concerns that nurses are being prevented from speaking out, or are frightened of repercussions. “I have been silenced on so many occasions when I simply want to tell the truth in a democracy”, said Claire Drot from Southampton.

Jenni talked about the Nursing Times campaign Speak out Safely, which aims to improve honesty and transparency in the NHS. Janet closed with an appeal: “We are always looking for nurses to tell their story”. Please contact press.office@rcn.org.uk for more information.