She will take up office next year and serve a term of two years.
A frontline NHS nurse has been elected as the Deputy President of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
Formerly a neonatal intensive care nurse, Tracey Budding currently works as a specialist nurse in gynaecology at Birmingham Women’s Hospital.
Previously a member of RCN Council, RCN UK Stewards Committee, RCN UK Safety Representatives Committee, Tracey has most recently has been the Vice-Chair of the RCN Trade Union Committee.
She will take up office 1 Jan 2021 and serve a term of two years.
Holding the government to account.
In a statement celebrating her election, Ms Budding has called on nurses to “hold the government to account” on pay.
“It is a huge honour to be elected to this role and I look forward to helping to represent nursing staff wherever they may be working,” she said.
“Nursing is facing real challenges right now and as the pandemic grows again and winter approaches, I know there will be further challenges ahead.
“With a strong campaign for fair pay for nursing I hope we can come together to hold the government to account and achieve the right outcome now and into the future.
“The skill and professionalism of all those in nursing has been demonstrated in a way never seen before in the last year and now is the time for this to be recognised at the highest level.”
A deep passion for nursing.
Dave Dawes, RCN Chair of Council, said: “I would like to congratulate Tracey on her election to the post of deputy president. She brings a deep passion for nursing and the RCN to this role and I know that she will work tirelessly on behalf of members.
“I also want to pay tribute to the other candidates for standing for this important role – it takes a lot of courage and integrity to stand for election for national office. I hope these campaigns may have inspired some members to consider putting themselves forward for local, regional and national elections.”
Dave added: “I recognise the election process this year has seen difficulties and I hope we can now all work together to take the RCN forward and face the upcoming challenges together.”
