First and foremost, I have been busy meeting employers, members and potential members working in the independent health and social care sector across the South West region.
It’s been a privilege hearing about and showcasing some of the great work and innovations which are happening in practice within our region, and of course supporting with any challenges where I can.
Highlighting how members can be more involved with the RCN and promoting the RCN professional offer is key to my engagement.
There is so much the RCN has to offer in terms of professional support and development for the IHSC workforce which is constantly evolving based on feedback from our members.
The independent health and social care (IHSC) landing page Nursing across Independent Health and Social Care services is my starting point with conversations as this is where you will find everything relevant for colleagues working outside the NHS.
I also encourage members to follow our South West Facebook page and join the South West Independent Health and Social Care Network private Facebook group as well as bookmark the South West Independent Health and Social Care webpage on the RCN South West pages.
RCN Learn is also a platform I promote as it is a one stop shop for all the RCN course and resources, take some time to explore this for all your personal and professional development needs, many resources are available free to members (and some to non-members).
In my role I also support some national workstreams, one of which is focused on supporting our IHSC nursing support worker members (eg HCAs/TNAs/NAs/APs), if you would like to join one of our upcoming listening events to be involved and influence this work please book a place.
I do shout very loudly that nursing support worker (NSW) colleagues can be a member of the RCN if working under the guidance and supervision of a nurse, midwife or health visitor. I often see surprised faces when I share this. If you are a NSW and want to know more about joining go to our webpages: Become a nursing support worker member.
Did you know that the region currently has a vacant seat on the national RCN Nursing Support Workers Committee? This is an amazing opportunity to influence the work of the RCN Nursing Support Workers Committee.
On 10 May we are launching an exhibition on nursing support work: Shining a Light. You can join in person or online and see my very own (rather old) auxiliary nurse badge.
In February 2024 we held our first event specifically aimed at the nursing workforce in the independent sector with a focus on driving quality. This was open to nursing staff from both South West and South East regions. In April we held a second online event with a focus on end-of-life care. The topic was directed by feedback from our members who attended our first event and from conversations with members that we are having when connecting with them.
Further online events are in the planning for the rest of this year which will include enhancing digital confidence, sustainability, and equality, diversity and inclusion so keep a close eye on our events page for more information: Independent health and social care events.
All in all it's been a great year with the RCN and I look forward to continuing to meet and support as many colleagues working outside the NHS as I can going forward – our work within the College is led by the member voice so please reach out and talk to me.
Please contact me if you would like to connect and hear how I can support you. My email address is sarah.winfield-davies@RCN.org.uk.
Another way for your voice to be heard is via SenseMaker – share your story and help transform nursing.
Take a moment to read about Lia’s work supporting student nurses in social care placements: Student placements: surprising skills in a residential home.
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