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.

17. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

Supporting the RCN strike action at the RVH. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

18. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

The Royal Victoria was one of the hospitals affected by the RCN strike action. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

19. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

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

20. Ulster Hospital, Dundonald

RCN members and supporters pictured at the Ulster Hospital, in Dundonald. Photo: Jonathan Porter/ PressEye