ONE of the biggest picket lines yesterday was at the Ulster Hospital at Dundonald outside east Belfast.
The South Eastern Trust said earlier this week that 151 surgeries had been cancelled as a result of industrial action.
While the A&E department stayed open, it prioritised seriously ill patients and urgent cases.
Senior emergency nurse practitioner Roisin Devlin, who is based in Dundonald, said it was an emotional day for Royal College of Nursing staff.
"After almost 30 years in nursing I have have seen some of the most heartbreaking things you could imagine and cried many tears," said the award-winning nurse.
"I can honestly say that today is the saddest day of my career".
Staff from a nearby McDonalds restaurant handed out teas and coffees to the healthcare workers, striking on one of the coldest days in December.
Staff from Finnebrogue also set up a hot food stall feeding the NHS staff as a goodwill gesture.
Doctors, who were not taking part in the industrial action, came out during the day to pledge support and solidarity to the striking workers.
Harland and Wolff workers, members of the Unite union, also joined the picket line in support.
