Historic RCN strike day in pictures

Our first day of strike action in England, Northern Ireland and Wales took place on 15 December. Here are some key moments from the day.

RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen outside St Thomas' Hospital in London as the sun is coming up on our first large-scale strike day.

Members setting up the official picket line early in the frost at Lagan Valley Hospital in Northern Ireland.

Members making sure it's clear that fair pay for nursing and safe staffing for patient care are one and the same.

The level of support from the public was felt in many ways, from pizza deliveries to cars tooting their horns driving past picket lines.

RCN members standing strong in solidarity at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Picket supervisors keeping their hands warm and smiles firm throughout the chilly day in Northern Ireland.

Supporters of all sorts were out on the day, beating the cold by wrapping up and making sure to hold an RCN placard.

Patient safety is a top priority for striking nursing staff, as this banner at Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales demonstrates.

RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen talking to members gathered round at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, one of many picket lines she visited on the day.

Members stood in unity in the knowledge this strike day was for them, their patients and the future of the profession,

Getting the message out loud and clear in Birmingham that safe staffing and fair pay for nursing are needed now.

Energy levels were high as members in Oxford reacted to the outpouring of support from colleagues and members of the public.

Flying the RCN flags en masse outside Ulster Hospital in Northern Ireland

As the sun began to set, there were still several hours to go until the official end of the picket line but members remained in large numbers to speak out for their profession.