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RCN congress 2019: bullying, uniforms and harassment by patients to be discussed

College members put nurses’ workplace issues on the agenda at Liverpool 
RCN congress vote

College members put nurses’ workplace issues on the agenda at Liverpool 


Picture: John Houlihan

A call for a law against workplace bullying is among topics to be debated at this year's RCN congress.

A discussion on the consequences of the abuse of nitrous oxide or 'laughing gas', and how to reduce harm and deaths from sepsis are also on the newly-published agenda for the annual meeting of RCN members.

'This year's agenda is membership-led'

The Liverpool congress, to be held in May, will also debate calls for an elected – rather than appointed – college general secretary.

Congress chair BJ Waltho said: ‘This year’s agenda is membership-led; it’s diverse and reflects what’s important to nursing staff today.'


The congress will take place in Liverpool. 

The bullying resolution calls on the RCN to condemn the UK's governments for failing to introduce anti-workplace bullying legislation.

Bullying anguish

RCN Lancashire West branch submitted the resolution. Branch chair Maggy Heaton said: ‘The impact of bullying on sickness, turnover, productivity and employment relations costs the NHS £2.2 billion per year. Some organisations have consistently failed to tackle bullying and our members are left in anguish.’

Better protection for health professionals who are sexually harassed by patients and their family members or friends is also to be debated.

Other topics include clinical supervision and the introduction of a standard uniform for NHS nurses in England.

RCN congress runs from 19-23 May.


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