RCN Congress opens in Liverpool

Published: 21 April 2013

Royal College of Nursing members from across the UK have arrived in Liverpool as RCN Congress 2013 gets underway.

Congress was officially opened by RCN President Andrea Spyropoulos. During an emotional speech delivered to a packed audience this evening, she stressed the importance of taking ownership of nursing. "I want us all to ignite the nurse within," she said. "Let’s fight back when we’re attacked, stand up when we’re pushed down and stop at nothing to deliver for patients. We need to go out there, we need to win hearts and minds and we need to fight for a culture of ownership."

Reflecting on the "worst period I've experienced in 38 years of nursing", Andrea talked of the sustained and unprecedented attacks on nurses' pensions, pay, terms and conditions. "This week sees us come together as a profession to debate some of the biggest challenges we face," she said. "This is our opportunity to declare with passion who we are and what we will stand for, and importantly, what we will not stand for."

This year the President has once again chosen the RCN Benevolent Fund as her nominated charity. The fund was set up to help members of the nursing team in need because of adversity, retirement, ill health, disability, family breakdown or changes to employment. Encouraging members to give generously, Andrea said: "Nursing spends so long helping others, that just occasionally we need to make sure that we look after own. Together, we can help each other out."

The fundraising will continue throughout the year, but those in Liverpool can look out for collecting tins. Find out more about donating to the RCN Benevolent Fund at www.rcnfoundation.org.uk

Awards

The RCN Awards ceremony followed the President's address, celebrating those who have made an exceptional contribution to nursing and health care, or who have provided an exceptional service to the RCN.

RCN Fellowships were awarded to Dame Christine Beasley, Professor Jane Coad, Dr Hazel Heath, Professor Maggie Kirk, Donna May Mead, Colin Roberts, Professor Ray Rowden and Professor Julie Taylor.

RCN Honorary Fellowships were awarded to Professor Martha Hill, Lord Willis of Knaresborough and Professor Sir Alan Craft.

Awards of Merit are awarded to members who have made an outstanding contribution to the work of the RCN. This year the recipients were Tracey Budding, Geoff Earl and Robert Moore.

Representatives of the Year were Charles Conibear (steward), Ray Gerrard (safety representative) and Amanda Eliff (learning representative).

All the Congress debates and keynote speakers will be filmed and available live on the RCN website webcast. Sunday night's opening ceremony will be available on the Congress archive webcast from tomorrow.