International RCN Nursing Research conference thrives in Cardiff city centre

Staff from Healthcare Sciences were involved in the highly successful international RCN nursing research conference in September.

The annual event, which attracted more than 250 delegates,  was held at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. The venue provided a wonderful space to share recent research as well as networking opportunities.

The school’s Professor Daniel Kelly chaired the scientific & organising committee, and Professor David Whitaker welcomed delegates on day one. Many academic staff from Healthcare Sciences presented research covering a range of topics, including digital sexual health services for young people, dementia care, emotional labour in children’s hospices and supportive care needs during novel targeted cancer treatments.

Professor Ben Hannigan was one of the keynote speakers addressing the value of programmatic approaches to mental health research.

A welcome reception was hosted on the first evening by the Journal of Advanced Nursing (with thanks to Wiley publishers) and we were also joined by the ‘Sing with Us’ Tenovus Choir to welcome delegates to Wales.

The four Chief Nursing Officers from across the UK, including Professor Sue Tranka, CNO for Wales and Honorary Professor in Healthcare Sciences, took part in a discussion on promoting nursing research and improving its strategic contribution to assist the NHS with current challenges.

The conference also included a symposium sharing the success of the RCBC funding scheme, which is the highly successful approach to capacity building in the non-medical professions in Wales.

Evaluations have been highly positive, and comments included the conference being a friendly and supportive event, with a high quality range of research presentations.