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.

13. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

On the picket line at the RVH in Belfast. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

14. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

Lending their support to the RCN strike at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

15. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

Supporting the strike at the RVH in Belfast. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

16. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

On the picket line at the RVH in Belfast on Thursday. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker