At a time when all our health services are under immense pressure, I find myself reflecting on the incredible dedication and compassion of all nursing staff. Your unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of care, often under challenging circumstances, is truly inspiring.

The RCN’s recent report of the corridor care crisis has helped highlight the conditions nursing staff are working under as you struggle to provide the best possible care for your patients. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our survey and share what is happening on the frontline. This has helped demonstrate to the public what is happening and what government now needs to do to stop the scandal of patients having to be cared for in inappropriate areas, leaving our nursing workforce demoralised and questioning their future in health services.

Whether you work in the NHS, independent sector, education or social care, we know you will be facing pressures on your time and resources. Please remember that you can access our raising concerns toolkit to help you report concerns where you see them. This is important for patients but also for yourselves in your own practice. . 

After over 20 years at the RCN, I am now leaving my role as regional director for the Eastern region. It has been an honour to work alongside such a dedicated group of professionals. Your resilience, empathy and tireless efforts have had a profound impact on the lives of countless people and their families.

Please accept my deepest gratitude for your support and camaraderie and I wish you all the best for the future.

While a new permanent regional director is recruited, Dr Sheila Marriott will be covering the post for the Eastern region. During her career, Sheila has been Director of Nursing at Birmingham Children’s Hospital before moving into director positions in a strategic health authority and running her own health care consultancy. She is also a previous RCN regional director, having held the post in the East Midlands. Sheila looks forward to meeting you at our regional catch-ups while she supports the region.