RCN South West Region
Search Menu

Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Blogs



13 blog posts
  • Audience at Congress Ashleigh Taylor Ashleigh Taylor 17 Jun 2026

    Where has time gone? A review of the last 6 months in nursing and the RCN

    Nursing it seems is never far from the news as being at Congress showed. 

  • Matthew Stewart Matthew Stewart 8 Jun 2026

    A lot done, but more to do

    It's been six months since I updated you on my activity representing you. That time has flown by and there has been a lot of important workstreams progressed in the first half of this year.

  • James Osben at Congress 2026 James Osben James Osben 27 May 2026

    Working against injustice

    My first experience of attending RCN Congress has been genuinely inspiring, thought-provoking and energising.

  • Tolulope Oladimeji South West member Congress 2026 Tolulope Oladimeji Tolulope Oladimeji 27 May 2026

    I summoned the courage and did it anyway

    I came to Congress excited to contribute. It didn't necessarily go as planned but I did have my say and got so much more out of my experience. I am already looking forward to going again.

  • Pathways with people pictured from a bird's eye view (from above) with long shadows, going along different intersecting blue roads leading out of the picture and going around in swirls and curves Kirsten Bland Kirsten Bland 17 Mar 2026

    Navigating organisational change in staff-side roles within an ICB

    Organisational change is a constant in the NHS, and while it can bring important opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and growth, it also creates uncertainty for the humans involved.

  • Chris Starnes, Matthew Stewart and Vicky Brotherton at the RCN Joint Reps conference in April 2025 800x400 Matthew Stewart Matthew Stewart 11 Dec 2025

    Keeping this a secret was so hard

    As we near the end of 2025 I have reflected on last 12 months of my RCN activities and how they have developed me as an individual as I have supported my branch as branch secretary, members across the region in my role as an ex officio board member and nationally in my role on the Stewards Committee. 

  • RCN Council member for the South West Ashleigh Taylor talking to RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger and a group of RCN members in front of an RCN Bath Branch stand Ashleigh Taylor Ashleigh Taylor 7 Jul 2025

    I have just three points to make…

    I was very sad to hear the news that the amazing Dame June Clark passed away in June this year. I met June several times at Congress, and she always gave sage advice. She used to be the head of the School of Nursing in Swansea and believe me, she was a force to be reckoned with. Whenever she came to the microphone at Congress she would always start with the words: "I have just three points to make". I dedicate this blog to her. 

  • Sarah Winfield-Davies 800x400 Sarah Winfield-Davies Sarah Winfield-Davies 17 Jun 2025

    Independent health and social care update

    As we settle into summer, I thought it would be a good time to pause, reflect and share a bit about what I have been up to so far this year and remind you about some of the RCN professional resources you can tap into as members working in independent health and social care (IHSC).

  • Ashleigh Taylor, RCN Council member representing members in the South West region Ashleigh Taylor Ashleigh Taylor 12 May 2025

    An update from your South West Council member

    I’m finally sitting on a seat on attempt two to start my journey up to Congress 2025 and I reflect what a whirlwind the last few months have been. I must start by thanking everyone who voted for me to be the South West Council member – it is indeed a great honour but wow, what a 6 months it has been.

  • Susan Masters, Interim Regional Director for RCN South West, in front of the RCN crest bearing the motto 'tradimus lampada' (we carry the torch) Susan Masters Susan Masters 16 Apr 2025

    Six busy months as interim director for RCN South West

    It’s been six months since I became interim director for the South West region. I’m loving being back in this role surrounded by a fantastic team who are working hard to support members on a huge range of matters across workplaces in the region. With the NHS facing ongoing financial pressures our staff are working hard to ensure members are treated fairly and nursing is valued in the change agendas. 

RCN Logo on White