Review of 2024

Here are my highlights:

Events

I have organised and facilitated  a number of online learning events, covering subjects from end of life to the fundamentals of nursing. These events are planned based on feedback from members, so please let me know if there is a topic you would like to see covered. Keep an eye on our IHSC webpage for upcoming events. We love to have South West members as guest speakers at these events; if there is something you are passionate about let me know so we can make it happen. 

Care home open week

During the celebrations I was welcomed by some of our care homes which was a lovely opportunity to meet staff to say thank you and champion the great work, passion and skill that is evident across this sector in the region. I have been delighted to sign a partnership learning agreement with a care home who want to work closely with the RCN to further develop the positive learning culture in their group of homes. Find out more about employment partnerships. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more about learning agreements. 

RCN representatives

We have had more members from the IHSC sector becoming RCN reps which is great news for members in their workplaces. If this is something you want to know more being an RCN representative about you can find useful information here or contact me for a chat: sarah.winfield-davies@rcn.org.uk.

I am looking at the appetite for setting up a South West RCN rep network. If you are a rep, look out for an email with more information.  

Nursing Support Workers' Day

This annual event in November is a day to celebrate the contribution that nursing support workers (NSWs) make to the nursing profession.

I was thrilled to visit organisations across the South West and meet with the nursing support workforce to say thank you from the RCN.  

I attended the NSW conferences in Wales and London where I presented and helped facilitate the days. Both of these events highlighted the importance of inclusive language.~

Colleagues in nursing support roles told us that the inclusive language made them feel valued, respected, appreciated, worthy and wanted. 

As part of a national workstream I am co-leading on, I have created a survey for NSW colleagues who work in independent health and social care in order to better understand their professional and trade union needs – please share this nursing support worker survey 2024 with your NSW colleagues, RCN members and non-members who work in IHSC as nursing support workers.

Nursing Workforce Standards Champions

We have many inspiring Champions working across the region and we would welcome more. You can find out more about what this Nursing Workforce Standards Champions role entails here.

Read about Sam’s journey becoming a Champion.

Working together in the future

I look forward to building on this work as we move into the new year. Working together we can develop and grow. Please get in touch if you want to get involved, need more information, want to share what you do with the RCN nursing community or if you need support. I look forward to working with you to showcase your work, celebrate your successes and share your innovations with the wider RCN nursing community. 

Happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in 2025.