Yesterday (18 January) Nurses picketed outside Brighton’s Royal Sussex County Hospital over pay. The Royal College of Nursing is to continue there national industrial action today.

Members of the public are being urged by the NHS to only call 999 and visit A&E departments for serious or life-threatening emergencies like chest pain, severe bleeding or breathing difficulties.

NHS Sussex Chief Medical Officer, Dr Dinesh Sinha, said: “Patient safety is our absolute priority and we have been working across health and care to ensure that any disruption to patient care is kept to a minimum.

“Regardless of strike action, people should continue to come forward if they need NHS help and support. Services are available to help you and make sure you get the best care.

“Some patients will be contacted directly to have appointments rescheduled, but everyone will get a new date as soon as possible. If you do have an appointment and the NHS has not been in touch, please continue to attend as originally planned, so as not to delay your care.

“We ask for the public’s support and patience during these two days of industrial action so that those who most need help and treatment can get the care they need.”