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RCN re-elects Cecilia Anim as president for second term

Ms Anim will remain in post for the next two years following a membership vote.
Cecilia Anim

RCN president Cecilia Anim has been re-elected into the post for the next two years following a membership vote.


Cecilia Anim says she is ‘deeply honoured’ to continue in her role. Picture: John Behets

The north London sexual health nurse won the contest with 12,521 votes, while her opponent Mike Travis received 10,212 votes.

Ms Anim thanked RCN members for their support and said she is committed to serving the interests of nursing for the next two years.

Expressing gratitude

‘I’m deeply honoured to have been elected to serve a second term in this prestigious role,’ she said.

‘I’m very excited about the prospect of continuing to serve RCN members and will endeavour to promote the integrity and dignity of our profession.’

Ms Anim added: ‘I look forward to working with members and staff to defend nursing in the face of challenges, as well as shaping the future of the profession so that patients receive the best possible care.’

Low response

Voting turnout was only 5.3% – a figure that children’s nurse Mr Travis said should lead the RCN to reassess its priorities.

Mr Travis added: ‘We must focus on defending the NHS and making our voices heard around pay and terms and conditions. If the RCN looks after its members, they will look after patients better.

‘I wish Ms Anim well. I think she has a difficult two years ahead of her, because we are going to see increasing unrest and poverty within the RCN membership.

'We will see wages further eroded and the role of the registered nurse challenged by the introduction of nursing associates, as well as the government’s cost-cutting agenda.

‘I believe in our members – they are dedicated, skilled and educated people. The RCN has to find a way to use some of that dedication to support campaigns to protect the NHS.’

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