Nurses' strike in Northern Ireland: pictures from around the picket lines

Picket lines formed outside hospitals across Northern Ireland today (Thursday, December 15) as thousands of nurses joined colleagues in England and Wales in a 12-hour strike, the largest of its kind in the history of the NHS.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) say they have taken the action “for fair pay and patient safety”. A second strike is due to take place on Tuesday, December 20.

RCN members held a local strike in Northern Ireland in 2019 over similar issues.

9. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

Taking part in Thursday's strike at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

10. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

Taking part in the nurses' 12-hour strike. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

11. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

Supporting the RCN strike at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

12. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

The RCN strike on Thursday (December 15) was the largest action of its kind in NHS history. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker