South West region well represented at Congress 2012

Published: 18 May 2012

Representatives from the South West have noticeably thrown themselves into Congress this year, giving the South West a real presence and voice in all the prominent issues facing healthcare provision today and into the future.

South West reps have had high visibility throughout the conference agenda, with several taking the floor and asking the difficult questions of our political guest speakers on Monday and Tuesday and also many taking active roles in the debates later in the week.

Jeannett Martin, Director of the South West region stated that: “It seemed like we were always at the podium, and impressively several of the South West reps were speaking at Congress for the first time.”

Kathy Moore from East Dorset presented for the first time about the use of technology in healthcare, which proved to be the most popular item on the agenda, generating a great deal of debate. By the end of the presentation, over 40 members were in the queue ready to speak and join in this controversial discussion.
Bruce from East Dorset gave an excellent introduction to their resolution on ensuring that money followed the patient, so that services are there for patients being nursed in primary care.  Helen Ballinger from Gloucestershire branch was one of the SW speakers in this debate and she highlighted the need for the RCN to fight for District Nurses so that there are enough of them to provide the care.

Jeannett Martin continues: “it was so nice to see the South West so prominently represented at Congress and so active in the agenda. It always provides a perfect occasion to really get together and discuss the issues that really matter to those within the profession and students that represent the future.”

The conference was seen as a success by all that attended over the last week, with many South West Congress first timers, mentioning that they planned to return next year. The South West also recruited a number of new activists during the week, which will help develop the role we play for members in the region.