‘Thank you to all our members who worked over the Christmas break’

 New and outgoing RCN presidents struck by patients’ appreciation of nurses during Christmas day ward visits

Nurses working on Christmas day in the capital received a visit from RCN leaders, who said it was ‘humbling’ to witness the appreciation of nursing care shown by patients and their families.

The college’s outgoing president Cecilia Akrisie Anim and her successor Anne Marie Rafferty met nursing staff on oncology, intensive care, cardiothoracic and interventional cardiology and other wards at St Bartholomew’s and King’s College hospitals in London.

Care continues

Dr Akrisie Anim said: ‘In my career as a nurse, I’ve often worked Christmas day – a day when it seems the country comes to a standstill.

‘While many people are enjoying the company of friends and family and a well-earned break, that doesn’t mean people will stop being ill, and many still need the excellent care nursing staff can provide. 

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‘I want to thank all our members who have given up some or all of the Christmas period to look after people.’

Dr Akrisie Anim, a clinical nurse specialist in sexual and reproductive health, has visited NHS nurses over the Christmas period throughout her tenure as RCN president, which began in 2015.

Alongside her at Bart’s Hospital this year was Professor Rafferty, who takes over as RCN president on 1 January. The professor of nursing policy at the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care at King’s College London said she is looking forward to representing nurses in the new year.

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‘Nurses from all nations’

‘What struck me in talking with staff was the awe-inspiring scope and depth of nurses’ knowledge and expertise, as well as the multicultural composition of the clinical team,’ said Professor Rafferty. ‘Our NHS is staffed by nurses from all nations.’

'It was humbling to see those talents coming together for the greater good of the British public and witness the appreciation from patients and their families at this special time.’

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