NHS Strike outside Isle of Wight's St Mary's Hospital

Although Isle of Wight health teams did not vote to support action, a picket line has instead been organised by workers from a mainland hospital trust with employees who deliver services on the Island.

Staff from the Solent NHS Trust are expected to join them later.

Those on the freezing cold picket line said they had been getting lots of support and had been hearing cars honking as they passed by, on Medina Way.

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Chanting "one, two, three, four, we want nurses on the floor", they told the Isle of Wight County Press: "There is only a few of us, but it shows us standing up for our patients and gives us a presence.

"You are welcome to show support."

They plan to be there until 6pm and all day tomorrow (Thursday).

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust said today (Wednesday): "Isle of Wight NHS Trust services are not affected by today’s strike action.

"There is a picket line on Medina Way, outside St Mary’s Hospital, organised by the RCN branch for Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, for their members who deliver services on the Isle of Wight, as they have a mandate for official action."

Read more:

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It comes as Isle of Wight teachers who are members of the NEU Union, become the latest to prepare to walk out, from February 1.

In total, the NEU says its action will impact 23,400 schools across England and Wales, including those on the Island.

Across the country, seven days of strike will take place in February and March and any single school will be hit by four of those seven days.