NI's Chief Nursing Officers Visit Hospital Picket Lines

Northern Ireland's Chief Nursing Officer Maria McIlgorm met with nurses involved in historic strike action on Thursday 15 December, and visited a number of hospitals.

Speaking after spending time with the nurses, McIlgorm said: "It's a central part of my job to engage with nurses across Northern Ireland and hear directly about the issues that matter to them.

"As CNO, I obviously want to see nursing colleagues across health and social care being properly rewarded for their role, responsibility, and experience. I am acutely aware of the pressures nurses in Northern Ireland continue to work under.

"I am committed to addressing the workforce issues that cause my profession so much concern – including valuing staff, good working conditions and safe staffing, which will include reducing vacancies and unsustainable levels of agency expenditure.

"Rebuilding our health service is an absolute priority for us all. Investment in the nursing profession is central to that."

The CNO added: "I know that there is not a single nurse who takes the decision to go on strike lightly. Likewise, I also respect the rights of those who have decided not to take action.

"I commend the hard work done by Trusts, the RCN and trade union colleagues to mitigate the impact of industrial action this week."