What an end to a historic and tumultuous year, for our College and its members. It is hard to overstate the significance of our strike action this past week. For nurses to feel that they have no choice but to take such a step shows the extent to which the government has underestimated the depth of frustration and despair felt by our members. They can be in no doubt now.
Rarely has a picket line been conducted in such a gentle, peaceful manner and with such heart and humour. But there was no mistaking the passion and demand for change from our striking members. The sheer number of people that turned out on our picket lines is testament to both the anguish of nurses who are at breaking point and the tremendous support of the wider public. This is a crisis created in Westminster but with real life impact on nurses and their patients the length and breadth of our country. Now that we have shown, beyond any doubt, that we will not be backing down, it is time for the government to make the next move. And, until they do, we will continue to do what we do best – passionately advocate for our patients and our profession. Dates for strike action in the new year have been announced today. We will also be contacting our members on the Isle of Man in the new year to determine next steps there on pay and safe staffing.
Along with our fight for Fair Pay, there have been a great many other highlights over the past 12 months. Whilst the spectre of Covid has never been far from our collective consciousness, we have been able to enjoy a return to meeting in person and our Congress in Glasgow in June was a particularly positive reunion. The North West region was brilliantly represented by its voting members and the branches who tabled agenda points and we came away from the gathering with renewed purpose for the year ahead.
Sadly, fates conspired to mean that our much anticipated annual Black History Month celebration had to be switched to online only rather late in the day but that change did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of our presenters and participants. Examining the topic of ‘Anti-Racism: Advocacy and Allyship’, we were honoured to be joined by some excellent and gifted speakers and were proud to be able to shine a light on some fantastic examples of these areas of work in our communities with our BHM Awards. We already look forward to an equally uplifting and informative session next October.
Looking even further back in the calendar, Nurses’ Day this year was a true celebration of our fine profession. It was wonderful to see how many trusts chose to mark the occasion with their own activities and we were proud to be able to showcase some of the, often unheralded, work that you do, day in day out, for your patients.
Just as we had much to celebrate this year, we also must reflect on some less auspicious moments in our College’s history. The release of the Carr Report, and the EGM that followed it, was a sobering chapter but one which I truly believe will enable us to set a new and higher standard for our officials and one which it is right we all be measured against. Whilst nothing can right past wrongs, we can ensure that we learn from the mistakes of the past and vow that we will do better. I believe in my heart that we already are.
I am all too well aware of the struggles that so many of you are facing this Christmas. The need for an inflation exceeding, or at least matching, pay rise is an absolute necessity, not a sound bite to suit the media. Whilst appreciation, just like clapping, cannot pay the bills, then I hope you know that your efforts are very much recognised and appreciated by us and so much of the wider public and you should take some heart from that. Know that we will always be at your side, fighting with you and for you, no matter how long it takes.
Our offices will be closed from end of play on Friday 23rd December and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January, allowing some time for our incredible hard-working staff to rest, ready to go again in the new year. If you are struggling this Christmas, either financially or emotionally, and need our help, we have many ways in which we can still provide the support that you need. RCN Direct will continue to operate throughout the festive period and they can direct you to the myriad support services which we have available as part of your membership. From help with financial planning to accessing counselling, there is a means to get you the support that you need and I would urge you to take advantage of all that your membership can offer. You can reach RCN Direct either by phone on 0345 772 6100 or via our website on www.rcn.org.uk/get-help . Phone lines will not be manned 24/7 but please do leave a message out of hours and our team will come back to you.
I know many of you will be working as hard as ever over the festive period so wishes for a happy and restful Christmas will ring somewhat hollow. Many of our internationally recruited members are also spending the festive season, far from home and away from their families. But whenever and however you get the chance to celebrate the season, we wish you joy and a happy, harmonious New Year.
