Nursing union announces TWO more NHS strike dates

NHS nurses will strike again in the New Year.

The Royal College of Nursing will stage more walk-outs on January 18 and 19.

It warned further dates will be confirmed next month.  

Almost 30,000 operations and appointments were cancelled because of its strikes on December 15 and 20, which were the biggest in NHS history.

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) General Secretary Pat Cullen, centre, joined members of the RCN on the picket line outside the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on December 20

Meanwhile, ambulance workers have also confirmed plans to stage bigger walk-outs in January.

Unions plotting walk-outs want inflation-busting pay rises, with the RCN demanding 19 per cent. Its boss has, however, hinted that it could compromise if ministers were willing to negotiate.

But the Government has refused to stump up any extra cash, sticking to its original offer of around 4 per cent.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay is considering fast-tracking next year’s NHS pay rise in a bid to resolve the dispute. He has already hinted that staff can ‘look forward’ to next year’s review.

Members of the RCN on the picket line outside St Thomas’ Hospital on December 20

Some 4,560 inpatient procedures were rescheduled because of the RCN action over the two days. This includes routine procedures like hip and knee replacements, which require an overnight stay in hospital. Another 25,000 outpatient appointments were postponed across England because of the walk-outs last Thursday and yesterday. This usually includes appointments, X-rays and minor procedures. Most of the chaos was caused at Nottingham University Hospitals (2,413), followed by Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals (2,313). Map shows total for both inpatient and outpatient appointments cancelled

Some 9,999 staff were absent from work due to the walk-outs on December 15. Another 11,509 were recorded for December 20. Most disruption was logged in the South West, with 4,748 staff taking part over the two days

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What is the truth about the nursing crisis? 

NHS nurses: A workforce where women outnumber men by a significant margin and a significant number are approaching retirement or seeking a better work-life balance. Pay is the central issue at the heart of the strikes, with the average nurse earing £37,000. This estimate includes both new graduates, who start on £27,055, and very senior nurses who earn more