We are now just over a week away from the start of RCN Congress, an incredibly important event where thousands of RCN members join together, to discuss and debate the big issues facing the nursing profession. I am particularly excited as it will be my first time attending Congress, and of course, the first as President of the RCN.  

I am really looking forward to hearing directly from our members at Congress – hearing more about your experiences and the issues facing nursing professionals across different settings has been a highlight of my time as President so far.  

And we have a lot to discuss. One of the big issues is of course nursing pay - it is the issue that led me to stand for the role of RCN President – I wanted to do more to help us achieve fair pay that matches the skills that we use and the responsibilities we manage, to deliver complex care every day in our roles.  

But, we are still waiting for the NHS pay award in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – it's over a month late. Recent speculation about the level of the award is also unhelpful, we know you need answers. While waiting to hear from governments, you can tell us what you think by contributing to the live RCN survey that is open to all eligible members working in the NHS. On what action, including industrial action, they might be prepared to take if this is the offer that is awarded when the 2025/26 pay award is announced soon.  

In Scotland, our member consultation is open after direct negotiations with the joint health trade unions. The Scottish government has made a pay offer for all NHS Scotland staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. It has taken months of pressure from the RCN and other health trade unions to get to this point, so we encourage you to use your vote. We believe it is up to members to decide if we accept or reject the offer. If you have already voted, please do encourage your colleagues to do so. 

Corridor care is another key issue I am sure will be discussing at Congress. Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director of the RCN in Northern Ireland met the new Permanent Secretary for the Department of Health, Mike Farrar and the Health Minister last week. The Minister has announced that the number of patients treated in hospital corridors in Northern Ireland will be recorded from June, which is a positive step after sustained pressure from the RCN. We still wait to see whether NHS England will still publish the data – as promised.  

I was also really pleased to hear about Cardiff University’s decision to keep its nursing course, following sustained pressure from the RCN. Closing it would have had a devastating impact on nurse staffing levels, the education of future nurses, and the quality of patient care across Wales. And it shows that when we work together, we can make our voices heard, and make positive changes for the nursing profession.  

I would also like to wish all our midwife members a very happy International Day of the Midwife for Monday. Your work to support pregnant people and their babies is so important – and you continue to strive to provide the best care you can, despite challenges with staffing levels across the UK. 

So at Congress we will have a lot to discuss, to challenge and to debate. But there will also be a lot to celebrate – especially as the first day of Congress will also be International Nurses’ Day too. There is still time to book your free place at Congress. I look forward to seeing many of you there.