SURREY-based members of The Royal College of Midwives staged the first walkout in its 133-year history on Monday when they joined members of the British Association of Occupational Therapists and healthcare workers from trade unions GMB, Unite and UCATT for a four-hour strike.

Trade unions want a one per cent pay rise for all NHS staff, but the government says that will cost too much.

A picket line was set up outside the Royal Surrey County Hospital as part of the nationwide protest and Monday's walkout was followed by four days of action short of a strike, in the week-long protest that continues until Sunday.

For full story, see this week's Haslemere Herald.