But alongside the immediate disruption to care, the action is likely to also be the first in a series of strikes over the winter and into the spring by other NHS staff, including junior doctors and ambulance workers.

In October, junior doctors voted in favour of action in early January after the government failed to meet the BMA’s demand for pay restoration to 2008/9 levels by the end of September. This came after two-thirds of trainee doctors responding to a recent GMC survey said they “always” or “often” felt worn out at the end of a working day.

The NHS has long been struggling, with its workforce shortages, increased pressures and stagnant pay contributing. Research by the King’s Fund has shown that NHS staff are 50% more likely to experience chronic stress, and forecasts have predicted a severe increase in PTSD among health and care workers.

It’s clear that the health service millions clapped for is in crisis. Whether the government will finally take action remains to be seen.

Nurses across UK are set to strike in December in first ever national walkout – here’s how it could affect you