NURSES from across the region have vented their anger over a “just not good enough” pay deal from the Government.

A number of nurses from County Durham, North Yorkshire, Teesside and Tyneside have added their name to an open letter protesting at a one per cent pay increase, due to take effect from next year.

They point out that since David Cameron became Prime Minister in 2010 nursing pay has actually fallen about 14 per cent behind inflation and many nurses are now taking on extra shifts to cover their financial shortfall.

Increased national insurance contributions will also in effect mean no pay increase at all, it is claimed.

The letter calls on members of public to support the Royal College of Nurses (RCN) campaign for fair pay called ‘Nursing Counts’ and warns: “Nursing staff won’t stand for it any longer”.

Glenn Turp, RCN Northern regional director, said: “Nurses working in every part of the North-East and Cumbria have signed this letter.

“And as the letter makes clear, they are angry. In many instances, they are delivering life-saving care, 365 days a year, 24hrs a day, for example in intensive care units, in A&E departments, in mental health settings and in the community. And frankly they have had enough.

“They feel like they are being taken for granted. They are telling us that they feel like the Government is ripping them off. The mood of the profession is turning, as this letter shows.”

The RCN is inviting the public to tweet and express their support on Facebook, as well as write to their local MP.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "NHS staff, including nurses, are our greatest asset and their dedication and sheer hard work keeps the wheels turning.

"Despite having to take difficult decisions about public finances we have been able to offer all NHS staff a one per cent pay increase next year - in line with the rest of the public sector. Around half of the nursing workforce will also receive incremental pay - around three per cent on average.”