Health workers in Britain began their largest strike today as tens of thousands of nurses and ambulance workers walked out in an escalating pay dispute.

The action is the biggest in the 75-year history of the NHS and we joined nursing staff on the picket line at Torbay Hospital this morning.

NHS Devon Chief Medical Officer Nigel Acheson said: “The NHS in Devon has worked hard to maintain as much routine care as possible during this week’s industrial action so it is important that anyone with an appointment should continue to attend as planned unless they have been contacted and asked to rearrange.”

“It is vital that people do not put off seeking care and come forward for treatment – using 111 online for non-life threatening care, as well as local pharmacies their GP practice, or dialling 999 in a life-threatening emergency.