THE chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has thanked staff who ensured that services remained safe during the four-hour strike that was staged by thousands of workers last month.

Kevin McGee said in his monthly board report: “On behalf of the board I would like to thank all our staff who ensured that the care and safety of our patients remained their primary concern during the day of strike action and subsequently.”

A further four-hour strike is planned to take place on November 24, as part of a national NHS pay dispute between health unions and the government.