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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, as well as 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



480 blog posts
  • Tiago Horta Reis da Silva Tiago Horta Reis da Silva 10 Apr 2025

    Sustainable development goals and older people

    This blog discusses the importance of including older people in the global framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights how the SDGs relate to geriatric nursing, focusing on health, equality, and social inclusion, which are essential for addressing the unique challenges faced.

  • Chris Starnes, Matthew Stewart and Vicky Brotherton at the RCN Joint Reps conference in April 2025 800x400 Chris Starnes Chris Starnes 10 Apr 2025

    Joint Representatives' Spring conference, 13-14 March 2025, Bristol

    I recently attended the RCN Joint Reps’ conference in Bristol. It was a real pleasure to work with my fellow UK committee members: Matthew Stewart, UK Stewards Committee member, and Vicky Brotherton, UK Safety Reps Committee Chair, and with them, to represent the South West region at the event. In fact, it was great to meet fellow reps from across our region and beyond.  

  • A photo of Aidan Slowie for a blog Aidan Slowie Aidan Slowie 8 Apr 2025

    Why I joined the RCN London Board: 'I decided to take action'

    Aidan Slowie, Chair of RCN London Board, reflects on his career –  and why he decided to get more involved with the RCN.

  • Suman Shrestha Suman Shrestha 7 Apr 2025

    Critical care nursing on the international stage

    RCN Professional Lead for Critical Care, Suman Shrestha MBE, shares his reflections from his recent attendance at the joint Critical Care Nursing Association of Philippines, Inc (CCNAPI) Annual Convention 2025 and the 3rd Congress of the Southeast Asian Federation of Critical Care Nurses in Manila.

  • Professor Nicola Ranger Professor Nicola Ranger 4 Apr 2025

    No more missed opportunities: time to invest in nursing

    RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Nicola Ranger reflects on the impact of the late NHS pay award for nursing staff and telling MPs and peers about the urgent need for investment in the nursing workforce. 

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 - 13/05/2025

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