A First Time View of RCN Congress

Published: 02 May 2013

Inner North West London member Shahla Pottle first worked in the NHS in 1979 and has been an RCN member for much of that time. Until this year, though, she had never made the trip to Congress. Shahla told RCN London that she can’t believe she left it so long.

“I arrived at Congress on the Sunday afternoon, excited to have the chance to get to know other RCN members. The RCN has helped me throughout my career, but this was the first time I’d been to Congress. It left me wishing I’d been more involved before.

“The venue was just on the River Mersey – it was a nice spot to walk around on the first afternoon, following which I headed to the Conference Centre. The debates in the hall were interesting throughout. I watched most of them through the week, but I felt the session on equal opportunity working was really important.

“The guest speaker on the Tuesday was Austin Thomas, the nurse to the British Paralympic Team who spoke about his work but also about his experience as a patient after an accident ten years ago.

“Away from the main hall Congress is made up of smaller events which provide opportunities for training or discussion. There was interest in all the ones I saw and some I went to were very full. I was really impressed by a session on counselling run by RCN Head of Member Support Services Jacqui Jablaoui. It included a proposal for a “coaching for nurses” fund, which I volunteered to help with. Many members don’t realise just what a wide range of support the RCN offers.

“In my career I’ve worked all over the world. After working in America I understand the importance of a strong union. I was really impressed by the unity in the RCN and the will to do good for members and patients alike. As an experienced nurse I feel it’s my job to tell young people what they can gain from being a part of it.

“Back at work in Ealing I’ve been asking every nurse I meet whether they’re a member of the RCN. If they’re not I’ve been trying to sign them up. And if they’re already a member I’ve been telling them that next year they will have to take the time to go up to Liverpool and experience Congress for themselves.

“It was a great week and it’s renewed my belief both in my work and in my union.”