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RCN congress 2019: fringe events include care of LGBTQ+ patients, social care and pay

Agenda also explores health challenges posed by large crowds, and staff support post-Grenfell
Glastonbury Festival

Agenda also explores health challenges posed by large crowds, and staff support post-Grenfell


Providing healthcare during and after large events such as the Glastonbury Festival
will be discussed. Picture: iStock

The health risks of mass gatherings, experience of a trans patient and impact of ‘legal highs’ on care services all feature in fringe events outside of the main hall at this year’s RCN congress.

A talk titled ‘Don’t take pills from druids!’ will examine the health challenges of events with large crowds, including the misuse of illicit substances and alcohol, and outbreaks of infectious diseases.

LGBTQ+ healthcare issues

The fringe agenda for the conference in Liverpool in May also includes a session with a third-year nursing student whose trans male partner is four years into transition. The couple will share their experiences within the NHS, with the aim of improving relations between lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning and others (LGBTQ+) people and healthcare staff.

Another event will feature a speaker on new psychoactive substances – also known as ‘legal highs’ – who will offer practical guidance on assessment and treatment of individuals who have taken them.

Workplace support

London Fire Brigade Commissioner Dany Cotton will also attend the fringe to discuss the impact of the Grenfell Tower fire on the mental health of fire officers. She will also outline what lessons can be learned about providing support in the workplace.

The RCN’s stance on social care will be discussed, with organisers hoping that the government’s long-awaited green paper on the subject is published before congress.

Two long-running debates also make a return in the fringe agenda: the RCN’s role as dual professional body and trade union; and NHS pay and conditions.

Safe staffing and yoga

Other fringe events will explore social prescribing and the RCN’s ongoing safe staffing campaign.

Meanwhile, those seeking a break from impassioned debates and discussions may find a moment for reflection or relaxation in the various yoga and tai chi taster events.

Other topics covered in RCN congress fringe events include:

- Gang violence

- Helping children and families through gender identity issues

- Emotional self-care for nurses

- Health outcomes for people with learning disabilities


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