My last day as Chair...!

Today was quite an important day for me, not least because we had such a long list of debates for the hall, but also because it was my last day as Chair of Congress.

The last four years have been an incredible experience for me.

I've made some truly great friends, chaired some excellent debates and have seen the College's reputation grow and grow.

On this, my final time in the chair, we saw debates on STIs, safe staffing levels and advanced practice nursing. I honestly believe that this years Congress has been one of the best; all three of the main political parties visited us in Bournemouth and told us why they believe nursing counts.

Angela Rippon gave a passionate and powerful speech about her mothers battle with Dementia, which recieved ovations from the members in the hall. Our Chief Executive & General Secretary, Peter Carter, gave an impressive speech at the start of the week, setting the mood brilliantly for the debates and discussions ahead.

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me during the last four years, I'm so grateful for all the assistance, advice and support that so many people have given me.

Here's to Congress 2011 in the beautiful city of Liverpool!

Jason

Wednesday at Congress

Yesterday saw a hugely busy day on the Congress floor, with numerous points of order from the floor, hotly fought debates and a fantastic speech from Angela Rippon.

Angela spoke passionately and powerfully about her experiences of caring for her mother, who suffered from dementia. She told delegates about how she first realised that her mother wasn’t simply being forgetful, but that something more worrying was wrong.

Perhaps the most moving thing Angela said to Congress was that under all the unpleasantness, aggression and hostility that are often displayed with dementia suffers; there is always a vulnerable, confused and harmless person, just wanting to get better.

She received standing ovations from the hall as members showed their thanks for her honesty, openness and passion.

Yesterday also saw nurses from Camp Bastion make their impression on Congress 2010, with a pre-recorded message sent in from Afghanistan. It was an extremely moving film especially when its maker, Flying Officer Sidney Masawi, paid credit to Congress veteran Andrew Parker, who many will know passed away earlier this year.

All in all, it was a great day in the hall filled with enthusiasm and interest in the matters being talked about. Thursday sees the final debates in the hall and of course the close of Congress.

As my last day as Chair of Congress, it’s going to be an emotional day!...

A terrific Tuesday...

As you’ll know, yesterday we were joined by our Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, Gordon Brown. Today saw Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Andrew Lansley, Shadow Secretary of Health both address Congress.

Both men received warm, appreciative and professional welcomes – a testament to the fact that the College is open to working with all elected officials in a spirit of cooperation.

There are nine days left to election day and I think it says a lot about the RCN’s political clout and the respect that key figures have for us that all three of the main parties have chosen to come to Bournemouth and speak to the nursing family.

Today also saw some really interesting debates, from pensions to pay; you’ll be able to read up on all the results and information on the RCN website.

Tomorrow we’re joined by TV personality and advocate for dementia care, Angela Rippon. I’m really looking forward to hearing about her experiences and opinions on such an important issue.

However, it’s the Student Disco tonight – so I better get my sharpest shirt on…!

Jason

What a day...

What a day! Congress began today with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown giving a well received speech to delegates where he spoke about his commitment to the NHS. The hall was left genuinely enthused and excited. If anything demonstrates just how powerful the nursing voice is, it’s the Prime Minister address nurses with just 10 days before an election.

We also heard a superb speech from our Chief Executive and General Secretary, Dr. Peter Carter. One particularly moving moment was when he thanked our defence nurses, some of whom happened to be in the hall. It was great to see members get to their feet and thank these truly brilliant nurses.

Despite two keynote speeches, we also got through five, yes five, debates. From heroin on the NHS to care for Trans people, Congress got talking on some of the key issues in healthcare.

We also said goodbye to one of the most well known characters of Congress – Andrew Parker. Andrew passed away at the beginning of this year and his spirit, enthusiasm and dedication to the nursing cause and patient care will never be forgotten.

Jason

Congress kicks off...!

This week has been one of the busiest of the year so far, with the joint British HIV Association and British Association for Sexual Health and HIV Conference in Manchester from Tuesday to Wednesday, then the Health Debate in London on Thursday. It was great to hear from the three men hoping to be the next Secretary of State for Health, and the RCN asked a number of great questions.

Yesterday was jam packed with the normal pre-Congress activities, rehearsals, meetings, run-throughs and the like, although I was lucky enough to grab some time for a run, which was great.

Today is Sunday and that can only mean one thing – Congress opens! Maura Buchanan, our President, will give her keynote speech this evening, followed by our RCN Awards Ceremony where the College gets a chance to thank a number of inspirational nursing figures.

As this is my last Congress as Chair, I’m really excited that we are only a few days from the general election. This week will provide a great opportunity for nurses to send clear messages out to all the political parties about the future of health care and nursing.

Tomorrow is when Congress business really begins, with the first resolutions and matters for discussion being debated. I’ll be on stage for most of the day but I’m determined to find some time to Blog about the day and maybe even send a few tweets (www.twitter.com/thercn).

Until then, keep watching the webcast!

Jason