NHS physiotherapists strike outside Brighton hospital

A crowd of them braved the cold weather outside the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton to call for a pay increase, which they say will protect patient services "both now, and into the future".

They were outside the main entrance to the hospital (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists called for the strike following their first day of industrial action over pay on January 26.

Physiotherapists across 33 NHS trusts in England are taking part in strike action today, including the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, which operates the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

They will continue to provide emergency services, such as in intensive care or on-call respiratory physiotherapy.

Fraser has been a physiotherapist for 'some time' (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

A senior physiotherapist at the Royal Sussex, who gave his name as Fraser, said: "We've constantly been pulled left, right and centre.

"In terms of our pay, we're underpaid and understaffed as well. The main reason we're in this job is because we want to help our patients.

"We're not here for the money, because you can pick other careers for that, but it's got to a point where the pay needs to improve. 

"It's great we're all out here, making so much noise - and everyone is supporting us."

"I've got hopes for a deal, I don't know if they're high - but I've got hopes."

Ambulances sounded their sirens as they passed by the picket line (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The striking workers chanted and held up placards to demand better pay. Some read "Physios stretched to breaking point" and "Poor pay is a pain in the neck".

Anothyer physiotherapist at the trust said: "We do it because we love it, but we need better pay, and a job that's worth doing.

"We need to make sure that we have a great quality of life, in order to deliver a great quality of care to patients."

Physiotherapists from all departments in the trust picketed outside the hospital in Eastern Road.

A neurosurgical physiotherapist, who gave her name as Victoria, added: "We are out here because we want the public to be more aware of our situation.

"The trust has been very supportive of us, but it's the government we have an issue with."

There was around 20 physiotherapists on the picket line (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The strike comes shortly after the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade on February 1.

Workers from seven trade unions, including teachers, university lecturers, bus drivers and security guards walked out at once over pay.