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.

21. Ulster Hospital, Dundonald

The scene at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald during the RCN strike. Photo: Jonathan Porter/ PressEye

22. Antrim Area Hospital

Former ICU patient Sean Kane joins the nurses on the picket line at Antrim Area Hospital. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

23. Antrim Area Hospital

On the RCN picket line at Antrim Area Hospital on Thursday. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker

24. Antrim Area Hospital

Supporting the RCN strike at Antrim Area Hospital. Photo: Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker