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Suffolk

RCN Suffolk branch

If you're an RCN member working in Suffolk, you're automatically a member of our Suffolk branch. Welcome to your nursing community.

Our branch includes members at major NHS trusts covering the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich Hospital. It also includes members at NHS mental health and community trusts, independent sector providers and care homes.

Getting involved in our branch means more than attending meetings. Whether you’re organising for better conditions, supporting a colleague or pushing for systemic change, your involvement helps turn shared concerns into collective action.

Contact us

eastern.region@rcn.org.uk

Your branch team

  • Chair: Laura Bird
  • Vice chair: Vacant
  • Treasurer: Vacant
  • Secretary: Tracey Risebrow

Join our Suffolk Facebook group

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Be the first to know about meetings and connect with your fellow branch members

View all RCN branches in the Eastern region

All branch events

Our branch annual general meeting (AGM)

Every year, our branch holds its annual general meeting (AGM). We review our branch activity over the past twelve months, before mapping out what we want to achieve over the next year. It's also a chance to discuss with your fellow branch members the issues which are most important to you right now.

This is your chance to help set the nursing agenda. Details of 2025's AGM will be posted here as soon as available.




Our branch and RCN Congress

Branches play a key role in RCN Congress. Our members can submit debate topics for the annual conference, which are then discussed and voted on by the wider membership, influencing the RCN's future work.

All members can attend RCN Congress for free. There are also fully funded voting places for members, where travel, accommodation and food are provided. Voting members are there to listen, participate and vote on resolutions that are proposed by RCN branches, forums and committees across the UK.

This year's applications for funded voting places are closed. Details of 2026 funded places will be posted here as soon as available.

Branch policies and processes

Hear from members across our region



472 blog posts
  • Professor Nicola Ranger Professor Nicola Ranger 27 Jun 2025

    It’s time to vote – does 3.6% do enough to value nursing?

    RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger urges you to have your say by voting in the RCN pay consultations and joining the RCN Annual General Meeting. 

  • Guest Blog, Older People's Forum Guest Blog, Older People's Forum 26 Jun 2025

    Pride in an LGBT+ Affirming Retirement Community

    This Blog looks at Tonic, at Bankhouse, and is the UK’s first LGBT+ affirming retirement community, offering a safe, inclusive space for older LGBT+ people to live with dignity and pride. Beyond housing, it fosters belonging, combats isolation, and champions systemic change in housing and care.

  • Pat Hughes Pat Hughes 25 Jun 2025

    Remembering Dame June Clark

    Chair of the RCN Retired Member's Network (NPC Affiliated), Pat Hughes, shares her reflections and memories of her friend, colleague, and former RCN President, Dame June Clark who sadly passed away last month.

  • Sleep Hygiene Carol Dale Carol Dale 20 Jun 2025

    Why Sleep Matters: A Deep Dive into Sleep Hygiene for Elderly Care Homes

    Sleep doesn't always get enough attention in elderly care settings. While care home nurses meticulously track medications, monitor vital signs, write care plans and risk assessments, sleep is often an afterthought. 

  • Rashielee Care Home Carol Dale Carol Dale 20 Jun 2025

    A winning care home: Reflecting on seeing our Scotland Nurse of the Year in action

    This week, as part of Care Home Open Week, I had the privilege of visiting Rashielee Care Home in Erskine, Glasgow, where their success at the RCN Nurse of the Year Awards speaks volumes.

Elections and appointments

Get more involved by putting yourself forward as a candidate for Council, a board, a committee or a forum. You can also make your voice heard by voting in our current elections.
View our elections and appointments
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Put forward an agenda item for Council

Members can submit an agenda item for Council to discuss at one of their meetings. If your submission is accepted, you can present it to Council during the meeting, either remotely or in person.
Submit an agenda item
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Page last updated - 17/06/2025

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