The Royal College of Nursing announces new council members
Published: 15 September 2011
Thirteen nurses have been elected to join the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) governing council. The Council represents over 400,000 nurses and healthcare assistants across the UK.
Current Council member, Anne Wells was re-elected for another four year term by members in the Eastern region.
David Harding-Price has been elected by members in the East Midlands. He has been a health and safety rep since 1999 and has held a number of roles within RCN branches in Lincolnshire.
Christopher Piercy has been elected to represent members in the Northern region following several years as an active branch member.
Members in the North West have elected Mike Travis to represent them. Mike has been an RCN steward for 30 years and has previously served on Council.
Members in Scotland have elected Andrew Patrick to represent them on Council. Andrew has been a nurse for over 30 years and an activist for 25, representing the RCN in Scotland on various groups.
Members in the South East region have elected Rachel Trencher. Rachel works as a Community Matron and has been an RCN activist for the past 13 years, having started as a student.
Mental health nurse, Tim Coupland has been elected by members in the South West. Tim has been an RCN activist for 10 years and is also set to take on the role of Gloucestershire Branch chair.
Members in Wales have elected Christine Thomas who has been the RCN Wales lead steward for the past three years, having been a steward for 10 years.
Sue Warner has been elected by members from the West Midlands region where she currently sits on the board. Sue has worked in various settings within the NHS for 35 years.
Ian Norris was elected unopposed by members in the London region. Ian is currently vice chair of the London branch and had been elected to fill a one year gap on Council in October 2010. He will now serve a full four year term.
Members in Northern Ireland voted to elect Kevin Bell for a full four year term. Kevin had been serving on Council for an interim two year period since October 2009, sitting on a number of committees.
Roy Tomlinson was elected unopposed by members in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Roy has worked as nurse for 39 years, both in the NHS and Independent sector.
Gemma Selby was successfully elected to the vacant student seat on Council, where she will serve for two years. Gemma is currently studying nursing at Birmingham City University and is an active Student Information Officer (SIO).
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “I am delighted to welcome the new council members. RCN Council plays a crucial role in ensuring the voice of nurses is heard and in helping shape health policies so that patients receive the best care possible. I look forward to working with these committed individuals who will help shape the direction of nursing on behalf of members.”
New council members will formally take up their posts after this year’s AGM on the 26th October 2011. Prior to this they will elect to officer roles, including the Chair of Council.
Further information about the election results can be found at http://www.rcn.org.uk/aboutus/get_involved/rcn_elections/rcn_elections_2011/rcn_council_elections_2011
Notes for Editors
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact –
RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
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.