Paddy McGuinness supports NHS nurses on strike by joining Liverpool picket line

Paddy McGuinness joined the picket line at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool on Thursday December, 15. McGuinness joined the picket line, handing out hand warmers to nurses as they stood out in the below freezing temperatures.

McGuinness also took the opportunity to hand out food and flowers to those striking during his time at the picket line. While there, the TV presenter carried a placard saying “honk if you support fair pay for nursing” as he stood alongside members of the Royal College of Nursing.

Sue Middleton, a senior mental health nurse at Alder Hey, said: “The support has been overwhelming, and to have Paddy here was fantastic.

”He was lovely, posing for selfies with nurses and waving the union placard. He said he’s with us all the way. We’ve had so many people coming and joining us today, bringing us food and hot drinks.”

Many nurses who stood on strike across the UK took to social media to thank Paddy for his support. One nurse wrote on Twitter: “@PaddyMcGuinness Thank you for showing your support to @RCN staff at @AlderHey today. Coco the dog loved it.“

Around 100,000 nurses across England, Northern Ireland and Wales stood on strike yesterday (December, 15) to object to the years of real-terms pay cuts and draw attention to concerns over patient safety. It was the biggest walk out in around a century.

RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen said: “For many of us, this is our first time striking and our emotions are really mixed. The NHS is in crisis, the nursing profession can’t take any more, our loved ones are already suffering.

“It is not unreasonable to demand better. This is not something that can wait. We are committed to our patients and always will be.”