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Blogs



26 blog posts
  • ¿ìèÊÓÆµ Council member for the South West Ashleigh Taylor talking to ¿ìèÊÓÆµ General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger and a group of ¿ìèÊÓÆµ members in front of an ¿ìèÊÓÆµ Bath Branch stand Ashleigh Taylor Ashleigh Taylor 7 Jul 2025

    I have just three points to make…

    I was very sad to hear the news that the amazing Dame June Clark passed away in June this year. I met June several times at Congress, and she always gave sage advice. She used to be the head of the School of Nursing in Swansea and believe me, she was a force to be reckoned with. Whenever she came to the microphone at Congress she would always start with the words: "I have just three points to make". I dedicate this blog to her. 

  • Sarah Winfield-Davies 800x400 Sarah Winfield-Davies Sarah Winfield-Davies 17 Jun 2025

    Independent health and social care update

    As we settle into summer, I thought it would be a good time to pause, reflect and share a bit about what I have been up to so far this year and remind you about some of the ¿ìèÊÓÆµ professional resources you can tap into as members working in independent health and social care (IHSC).

  • Ashleigh Taylor, ¿ìèÊÓÆµ Council member representing members in the South West region Ashleigh Taylor Ashleigh Taylor 12 May 2025

    An update from your South West Council member

    I’m finally sitting on a seat on attempt two to start my journey up to Congress 2025 and I reflect what a whirlwind the last few months have been. I must start by thanking everyone who voted for me to be the South West Council member – it is indeed a great honour but wow, what a 6 months it has been.

  • Susan Masters, Interim Regional Director for ¿ìèÊÓÆµ South West, in front of the ¿ìèÊÓÆµ crest bearing the motto 'tradimus lampada' (we carry the torch) Susan Masters Susan Masters 16 Apr 2025

    Six busy months as interim director for ¿ìèÊÓÆµ South West

    It’s been six months since I became interim director for the South West region. I’m loving being back in this role surrounded by a fantastic team who are working hard to support members on a huge range of matters across workplaces in the region. With the NHS facing ongoing financial pressures our staff are working hard to ensure members are treated fairly and nursing is valued in the change agendas. 

  • Chris Starnes, Matthew Stewart and Vicky Brotherton at the ¿ìèÊÓÆµ Joint Reps conference in April 2025 800x400 Chris Starnes Chris Starnes 10 Apr 2025

    Joint Representatives' Spring conference, 13-14 March 2025, Bristol

    I recently attended the ¿ìèÊÓÆµ Joint Reps’ conference in Bristol. It was a real pleasure to work with my fellow UK committee members: Matthew Stewart, UK Stewards Committee member, and Vicky Brotherton, UK Safety Reps Committee Chair, and with them, to represent the South West region at the event. In fact, it was great to meet fellow reps from across our region and beyond.  

  • National Personal Safety Day 2017 Vicky Brotherton Vicky Brotherton 25 Feb 2025

    What makes a health and safety representative with the ¿ìèÊÓÆµ?

    The simple answer it is YOU.

  • Sarah Winfield-Davies: a 2024 retrospective of lots of members she met and visited as part of her role as lead nurse for independent health and social care and regional nursing support worker lead Sarah Winfield-Davies Sarah Winfield-Davies 17 Dec 2024

    Review of 2024

    I can’t believe we are coming to the end of another year; it only seems like yesterday I was thinking about and planning for the year ahead. I’ve been reflecting on the last year,  as there have been many opportunities to connect and work with members and employers in independent health and social care services across the South West region.

  • Samantha Mcloughlin - advanced nurse practitioner and independent health and social care / primary care champion (smiling face, blonde bob, red collared uniform) Samantha Mcloughlin Samantha Mcloughlin 30 Oct 2024

    Developing a nursing network

    Samantha blogs about the challenges and obstacles to developing an inclusive nursing network in primary care, and the numerous benefits seen in collaborative working, nursing education, retention, restorative clinical supervision and patient care as a consequence of this innovation.

  • Leonore-Newson-800x400 Leonore Newson Leonore Newson 4 Sep 2024

    Handing over the baton

    In 2018 a casual vacancy arose on the UK Stewards Committee (UKSC), and someone was needed to take on this role for the South West.  I had not long completed training to be an ¿ìèÊÓÆµ steward and felt that maybe I was not experienced enough in the ways of the ¿ìèÊÓÆµ to take on this responsibility, but I thought about it and spoke to my Branch Chair, Vicky Brotherton. With her encouragement, I did submit my application, and left the decision in the hands of the members of the South West region. I was delighted when they put their trust in me and voted me on to the committee.  

  • Naomi Wiltshire Naomi Wiltshire Naomi Wiltshire 24 Jul 2024

    Affordable parking and transport matters

    I’m passionate about my work and have found my place in critical care. I feel it is important that we make these traumatic times better for people. It frustrates me that many people think nursing staff do little more than hold hands and plump pillows; we are far more than that.