RCN announces Congress 2012 keynote speakers

Published: 03 April 2012

The Royal College of Nursing today (2 April 2012) announced the keynote speakers at this year’s annual Congress.

Secretary of State for Health, Rt Hon Andrew Lansley CBE MP, Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of HM Opposition, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, and Chair of the NHS Confederation Sir Keith Pearson, who is also co-chair of the Commission on Dignity in Care, will all address thousands of nurses and healthcare assistants. The event will be held at Harrogate International Centre from May 13 to May 17.

Mr Lansley will speak on Monday 14 May, Mr Miliband on Tuesday 15 May and Sir Keith on Wednesday 16 May. RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter OBE, will also give a keynote address on the Monday.

Dr Carter said today: “We are delighted that these keynote speakers wish to address RCN members at Congress this year. The NHS is currently going through a huge series of challenges and we look forward to hearing their perspectives in Harrogate on nursing and the reform agenda. Congress will be the largest nursing event taking place this year and we would urge as many members as possible to attend. ”

Delegates will be able to take part in policy debates and discuss the key nursing issues of the day throughout the week.

Members will discuss issues as diverse as:
• the Big Society within the context of the NHS
• financial incentives to be healthy
• the effects of shift working on staff and patients.
• when staff mandatory training is undertaken.

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. If you would like to attend Congress, please email press.office@rcn.org.uk stipulating which days you wish to attend. ISDN lines will be available at Congress.

2. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

3. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.