IT WAS the day when hundreds of nurses, health workers, dockers, trade unionists and even children took to the streets of Southampton to demand boosts in the National Health Service’s budget.

On March 14, 1988, the masses rallied by the Cenotaph, trooped through Above Bar and onto the Royal South Hants Hospital.

Outside the hospital they held hands in a symbolic gesture of protecting the National Health Service.

The protest was part of a national action organised by health workers union COHSE.

The COHSE regional officer, Mike Blade said at the time that the response to NHS Day of Action was “fantastic”.

“This is the main demonstration in the South. We have people here who have never been on a protest before.

“A recent survey showed that 92 per cent of the population wanted more money poured into health. In the South we are going to get £220,000 for hospital projects when we need millions,” said Mr Blade.

Among the marchers were groups from the Fawley Esso Refinery, British Aerospace, and Southampton City Council. About 650 dockers also walked out for two hours in support.

More than a hundred schoolchildren led by Young Socialists also joined the march, defying bans by head teachers.