Happy New year from your South West leadership team

Jeannette Jones, South West, Council Member (elected member) 

Happy new year! 

This is going to be another challenging one I think. We already have our colleagues in Northern Ireland taking a strike action 18 of January and members in the Care Plus Group in the Yorkshire and the Humber region continue their industrial action. Our medical colleagues have just completed the longest-ever NHS striking period. Let’s hope the new Secretary of State meets them at the table soon.  

We have Congress in Wales in June and lots of local branch events planned for the year across the region. I intend to come to as many of these that I can so I can hear your voice and views on the issues as they arise.  

Vicky Brotherton, South West Board Chair (elected member) 

 As your board chair I would like to wish each and every member in every work place a very happy new year.  

We know that we have a great opportunity this year to make politicians listen to us and our demands for fair pay and safe staffing. They will all be asking for our votes in the general election so please question them on your doorsteps about their commitment to us as the backbone of patient safety and care in every care provider workplace.  

We members are the RCN and united, we can make a difference.  

I look forward to working with you, and for you, in the coming year.  
 

Jane Matthews, South West seat for RCN Trade Union Committee (elected member)  

I’ve just been elected to the RCN’s UK Trade Union Committee. I’ve got a keen interest in motivating and empowering people, and I feel my involvement at local level in the strike action has given me a useful experience which will stand me in good stead on the committee. I’m looking forward to going from a trust and branch perspective – very much a local view - to a national, ‘bird’s eye’, one.  

We will be considering next steps for pay so I’ll be doing my best to empower members to make their voices heard. That’s one of our biggest challenges, trying to ensure members feel heard. 

I promise to listen to you as RCN members in the region and feed your views into national discussions. 

 

Colin Baker, South West seat for RCN Professional Nursing Committee (elected member) 

I’m your representative on the Professional Nursing Committee and have been for the last two years, serving a four-year term of office. I’ve just been elected as Vice Chair of the committee.  

Most of the committee’s work comes from Congress debates where RCN priorities are set by members. An item from last year’s Congress that we’re working on as a committee is the abolition of corridor care which was submitted by the Gloucestershire branch. 

We influence the UK government on professional issues. I’ve met with all the political parties and had a chance to voice the committee’s/members views and tell them how they can change their policy to help nurses. We agree what we’re going to recommend to government and what our position is as the RCN. There is a lot of opportunity to speak on behalf of nurses and the RCN, something I really enjoy.  

Lucy Muchina, Director, South West region 

A very happy new year to you. I’m honoured to serve you, our members in the South West. I lead an amazing team of staff who are committed to working with and providing excellent services to members, including professional and employment advice, representation, and training.   

I’m committed to working with you and nurse leaders, to address the issues affecting nurses and nursing across the region. I’m grateful to our elected members in the NHS and the independent sector who continue to promote activities designed to advance nursing in the workplace.  

Your voice is important, and whether you work in the public or independent/voluntary sector, you can make a huge difference in our profession.  

If you’d like to get involved please check out our web pages to find out how or get involved by joining events, online or in person throughout the year.