adminLONDON. – Nurses from all across the United Kingdom started the biggest-ever countrywide strike in the history of the National Health Service.
Tens of thousands of nurses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland started a historic strike yesterday.
They were compelled to launch the historic protest because the Tory administration was unable to reach a salary agreement.
The Royal College of Nursing (TNC) demanded a 19 per cent salary increase, which the UK government deemed unaffordable.
Numerous hospitals in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland had picket lines in place, and hundreds of NHS procedures and appointments were cancelled.
The staff will still give “life-preserving” care and some urgent care, but regular surgery and other planned treatments have been interrupted by this strike.
According to an Ipsos poll, 52 per cent of the British population favours the strikes, with only 27 per cent against them.
As many as 51 out of 219 hospitals, mental health trusts, and community services in England are participating in the first wave of stri Summary
1. Thousands of nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are on the first of two day-long strikes over pay – a walkout will also take place on 20 December
2. The Royal College of Nursing wants a 19 percent pay rise and says below inflation increases are compromising care by making it hard to attract and retain nurses
3. But Health Secretary Steve Barclay says that figure is “not affordable given the many other economic pressures that we face”
4. Speaking on a picket line earlier, RCN chief Pat Cullen said “this is a tragic day for nursing, it’s a tragic day for patients”
5. Staff will provide ‘life preserving’ and some urgent care, but routine services are likely to be disrupted
6. While critical services like chemotherapy and kidney dialysis should run as normal, the biggest impact is likely to be on pre-booked treatment. – Economic Times/BBC.
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