To a background cacophony of vehicle horns honking in support, staff at Langdon Hospital in Dawlish joined their nursing colleagues throughout the country yesterday (Tuesday) by coming out on strike.

The picket line assembled at just after 8am on Tuesday morning outside the Devon Partnership Trust Hospital, with over a dozen union members showing solidarity with their colleagues throughout the country.

‘The public support has been brilliant,’ said picket supervisor and mental health nurse James Osben.

‘As well as the constant car horn support from motorists driving past and we’ve had people stop and come both donate food and drink.’

For learning disability nurse Katy Welsh it feels that a crunch point has arrived.

‘For me this very much a turning point for our profession,’ she said.

‘It’s not just about pay and conditions but it’s about the future for both nursing in general and the NHS in this country.’