RCN Members Set to Stage Strikes Across Major NHS Hospitals in England
Big hospitals across England brace for strike action as Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members vote overwhelmingly to walk out. The move hits 131 NHS organisations in England, plus 12 in Wales, 23 in Scotland, and 11 in Northern Ireland.
Strikes are expected to kick off before the year’s out, with detailed plans and timelines to be announced soon.
Sussex Hospitals Join the Strike Wave
NHS trusts in Sussex have all been given the green light by staff to take part in strike action. Here’s the full list of those gearing up for action:
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- South East Coast Ambulance Service
- Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
RCN Boss Issues Stark Warning to Govt
“I want to thank every member who took part in, or supported, this ballot. You can be very proud. The results are strong and clear,” said RCN General Secretary Pat Cullen.
“This is a defining moment in our history, and our fight will continue through strike action and beyond for as long as it takes to win justice for the nursing profession and our patients.”
“Anger has become action – our members are saying enough is enough. The voice of nursing in the UK is strong and I will make sure it is heard. Our members will no longer tolerate a financial knife-edge at home and a raw deal at 1.”
“Ministers must look in the mirror and ask how long they will put nursing staff through this. Next week’s budget is the UK government’s chance to show serious investment. Politicians can stop this at any time.”
“This action will be as much for patients as it is for nurses. Standards are falling too low and we have strong public backing for our campaign to raise them. This 1, we’re asking the public to back nursing staff.”
What Sparked the Strike?
The ballot ran from 6 October to 2 November after NHS Agenda for Change pay offers this year left many experienced nurses 20% worse off in real terms than a decade ago. The backlash highlights frustration over pay and working conditions.
