Staff from across the North East were invited to the demonstration, which was part of a national day of protest – "Cut My Pay – No Way" by Unite union yesterday.

Furious NHS workers says that a proposed three-year pay rise of 7.99 per cent is, in effect, a wage cut in today's economic climate.

Unite says the action marked the start of its campaign against the imposition of the deal, including a possible ballot on industrial action.

Unite has about 200 members at City Hospitals Sunderland including fitters, electricians, plumbers, pathology and audiology staff, applied psychologists, caterers and cleaners.

Jeff Tate, regional officer for Unite, said: "The hard-working staff of the NHS are angry that the proposed three-year pay award represents a significant pay cut in the current economic climate."

Union officials stressed that yesterday's lunchtime protest was a message to the Government, not directed particularly at City Hospitals Sunderland, which was chosen as the base for the regional gathering.

A spokesman for City Hospitals Sunderland said: "Staff at the trust are all highly valued.

"They are the reason we have such a good service, and we would like to thank those concerned for ensuring that patients were unaffected."