Welcome to your daily look at the news in the North East.
Each morning and lunchtime we'll bring you some of the latest news from the North East - from breaking news and top stories to NUFC updates and the cost of living latest.
Today, we bring you news that Nurses have warned that they fear chronic NHS staff shortages will see patients come to harm.
Speaking with our Health Reporter Sam Volpe, impassioned picketers sent a stark message that 'People are dying because there are not enough nurses,' as Two days of nursing strike action began on Wednesday morning at the University Hospital of North Durham.
The second wave of Royal College of Nursing strike action - part of the ongoing pay dispute with the Government - affects more than 50 NHS trusts around the UK, but only County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust in the North East. Nurses there did not hold walkouts in December.
On the picket lines, NHS workers said they had felt supported by the public, but there were also feelings of despair that strike action has been needed. Speaking to ChronicleLive, Victoria Jones said: "It's our first time on the picket line and we're not doing it for ourselves. We're doing it for the patients and the safety of the patients.
"People aren't dying because nurses are striking, people are dying because there are not enough nurses to look after them in the first place. The Government need to realise this and they need to come and meet with us and see the conditions that we work in - that patients are coming in to 16 or 17 hour long waits and that's not the nurses' fault."
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Mum of Cramlington woman falls ill while supporting her daughter through surgery
We also brought you news that the mum of a seriously ill woman has become sick while supporting her daughter through what she hopes will be life-saving surgery in Spain.
Our reporter Kristy Dawson wrote that Molly Hartshorn's daughter Melanie suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). The rare condition causes the 33-year-old's skull to dislocate from her neck and spine.
In October last year, Molly, 71, accompanied Melanie to Barcelona so she could undergo a major operation to fuse her neck and spine, which is not available on the NHS.
Only the first part of Melanie's surgery, which was carried out through her throat, was completed as her body wasn't strong enough. For the last three months, she has been recovering and waiting to undergo the second part of the operation, which is being planned for February.
Now Molly, who previously pleaded with people to help save her daughter's life, has been diagnosed with heart failure.
Melanie, from Cramlington, Northumberland, told Chronicle Live: "They diagnosed her with heart failure yesterday.
"They wanted to admit her but she had to refuse as she’s my only carer and needs to look after me at the apartment. She’s on new medications and needs to get a follow up with a cardiologist next week.
"I'm devastated that we've spent so many years surviving with my mum being my carer rather than being able to be my 'mum' and spending quality time together."
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Warning after Northumberland cat faced amputation following illegal gin trap ordeal
We also had the news that the RSPCA has issued a warning after a cat from Northumberland needed an amputation after the jaws of a gin trap snapped down onto his feet.
I reported that poor cat Simba was found limping by a member of the public in Lindisfarne Close, close to his home near Morpeth in Northumberland. on Thursday, January 5. He had suffered two broken toes in the shocking incident.
It is not known where the trap was laid and for what purpose. He was taken to a local vets, where he was freed from the trap and treated for his injuries.
Fortunately, the feline’s pace meant he avoided more serious injuries to his legs and after undergoing surgery to amputate one of the toes he is now back home with his family in Pegswood.
The RSCPA says people still using gin traps as a method of rodent control need to be aware they could face prosecution after a cat was caught in one of the deadly, and illegal, devices.
Gin traps have been illegal in the UK since 1958, although some are still being used to catch animals such as rabbits and foxes.
They have spring-operated jaws with teeth or a serrated edge which snap shut. Non-target species, like this four-year-old cat, can often become victims and suffer horrendous and life-threatening injuries.
RSPCA inspector Lucy Green said: “Simba was very lucky that he only got two of his toes caught. They were both broken, but he certainly took less of an impact because it looks like he was moving so quickly at the time."
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Loris Karius contract decision leaves Newcastle United with dilemma
And finally, we brought you an update from the world of football that Newcastle United are expected to announce a new contract extension for ex-Germany Under-21 stopper Loris Karius.
Our Chief Newcastle United Writer Lee Ryder reported that the former Liverpool stopper has been in training with the Magpies since the turn of the year despite his initial deal expiring at the end of 2022. Eddie Howe stated on the club's trip to Saudi Arabia at the end of last year how pleased he was with the performance of Karius in training.
Sources in Germany say that Karius has agreed terms until the end of the season which leaves a question mark over Newcastle's goalkeeper department for part two of the season. With Nick Pope the number 1 these days, Karl Darlow could be moved on loan at the end of the month.
Martin Dubravka is back and can be the back-up man in Premier League squads. But he is cup-tied for the important League Cup semi-final against Southampton.
Karius and Darlow have been named in League Cup squads this season, with Darlow playing against Tranmere Rovers and Karius warming the bench against Crystal Palace.
Karius offered his own take on his future in the Middle East last month and said: "How I was welcomed by the whole group makes me believe I can achieve more things here. "That’s my aim, to be here for a long project instead of a short one."
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That's all from us for now, but check back at 5am tomorrow for your next North East Today update.
In the meantime, keep up-to-date with all the latest and sign up to our newsletters here.
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