THE local branch of the Royal College of Nursing celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday. The union, which represents nurses, promotes excellence in the profession and helps to shape policy, began life with just 28 members – now it has more than 500.

RCN south-east regional director Paul Beard said that he was thrilled to be invited to share in the celebrations.

‘I’ve been in Guernsey several times and I have always been impressed with the degree of professional service here,’ he said.

‘Some of the things that make a real difference to nursing are alive here. And the fact that the branch is still here after 50 years is a testament of its good work.’

He said that it was vital that local branches remained as active as the Guernsey one. ‘They are the lifeblood of the RCN,’ he said.

Branch president Sandra James said that nursing, as well as the RCN, had come a long way in her career.

‘In my specialist field, mental health, the development has been phenomenal,’ she said. ‘The range of services on offer is astounding. Many more people with mental health problems are living much more independently now.’

She added that there had been a growth in specialist nurses in recent times.

‘Nurses are becoming involved at a much higher level in the delivery of health care. To help that, the RCN tries to bring over as many guest speakers as possible to talk about professional issues and development in nursing.’

Mrs James added that nursing was one of the best professions in the world.

‘It’s ever so difficult to sum up how much satisfaction the job gives you and hopefully knowing you have made a difference and have contributed in a positive way.’

Maura Stacey, who ran Les Bourgs Hospice and more recently the Guernsey Bereavement Service, is the longest standing member of the branch.

She joined in 1961 when she moved to Guernsey and said that it had always been a helpful resource for nurses.

‘If we had a problem, they would be very supportive,’ she said. ‘That’s the same now.

‘It’s been a pleasure to be here today. It’s great to think that we’ve been here for 50 years. Here’s to the next 50.’