After nurses gathered outside Southampton General Hospital on strike over pay and working conditions this week, the Echo looks back at a National Health Service protest from the past.
On March 14, 1988, hundreds of nurses, health workers, dockers, trade union members and even children gathered on the streets of Southampton to demand a larger budget for the NHS.
The masses rallied at the Cenotaph before marching through Above Bar and entering the Royal South Hants Hospital.
Read more: Southampton nurse strike: More than 100 join picket line >>>
Some had even marched from Shirley precinct beforehand.
They united in a symbolic display of support for the NHS by holding hands outside the hospital.
Several workers from various companies participated in the march, including those from Fawley Esso Refinery, British Aerospace, and Southampton City Council.
About 650 dockers also walked out for two hours in support.
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 at the time.
In addition to the main marchers, more than 100 schoolchildren defied bans by their teachers by joining the Young Socialists on the march.
These pictures were all taken on that day of action in Southampton.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Share