NHS patients visit nurses' picket lines across the country!
Over the past two days, hundreds of NHS patients across the country headed to their nearest nurses’ picket line to show support for the ongoing strike action undertaken by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). This action followed two strike days in December, and saw members at over 60 NHS trusts and employers across England walk out to demand fair pay and safe staffing levels.
In response to the RCN's historic strike, we launched our nationwide “Patients on the Pickets” campaign which has generated thousands of messages of support for nurses from NHS patients, and seen over 800 people sign up to visit their local picket lines in support of nurses.
On top of this, dozens of volunteers have stepped up to deliver “solidarity packs” to picket lines in every region of the country. From Derbyshire to Dorset, Bristol to Brighton, over 40 locations were covered! These packs include a printed booklet of solidarity messages from members of the public as well as campaign posters, stickers and biscuits for nurses!
The response we’ve had to these solidarity packs has been truly heartwarming. Volunteers who delivered them have spoken about how moved nurses were by the messages, and how important it is to know they have the support of patients in this fight. Here’s just a few quotes from volunteers who delivered solidarity packs:
“It was great, very lively and uplifting, loads of support from passing motorists. They loved the book of support messages, I made sure lots of NHS staff saw it & left it with them. They were visibly moved and very grateful.” - Kate
“They absolutely loved the booklet - it's going in the staff room for all to read!” - Sue
“They all appreciated members of the public attending the picket. One woman was in tears at the support they received from the book, the public attending and the response of the passing vehicles.” - Catherine
Nurses have also taken to social media to express their thanks - such as this tweet from an RCN member in Worthing. The campaign was also covered in local media - such as this article from the Isle of Wight!
Politicians and many in the press want to see patients and staff divided on these issues. But the truth is - nurses don’t want to be on strike. In fact, it’s the first time in it’s 106-year history that the RCN has taken this course of action! But the government has left them with no other option, after failing to take action to address the crisis in the NHS which is forcing health workers out in their thousands.
And the government knows that public opinion is against them - recent polling has shown that two thirds of British people back this historic strike. So it’s time to ramp up the pressure to force them to do the right thing. As NHS patients, we stand in full solidarity with all frontline NHS staff fighting for fair pay, patient safety and a better future for our NHS. Victory to the nurses!