HUNDREDS of pickets were outside hospitals across the North-East this morning to mark the second national strike by health workers.

Health workers from nine unions were taking part in a four hour strike in a dispute over pay and some will work to rule for the rest of the week.

The unions are angry that Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has refused to implement the independent pay review board recommendation that NHS staff should get a one per cent across the board pay rise plus a one per cent incremental increase to those who qualify.

The Government has said a one per cent rise across the board is all the country can afford.

More than 50 pickets waving banners were outside the main gates of Darlington Memorial Hospital this morning, including members of Unison, GMB and more than 20 members of the Royal College of Midwives.

Claire Knapp, RCM steward for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is unfortunate we have had to take these measures. We are just asking for what the independent pay review board have recommended.”

Mrs Knapp stressed that no-one had been placed at any risk because of the walk-out by midwives across the region.

“Most of us are actually taking a day off, anyway,” she added.

The RCM steward said she felt that the public supported the health workers.

“We have had lots of people tooting their horns this morning,” she added.