The largest health care strike in Oregon history began early Friday at Providence across the state, as roughly 5,000 frontline health professionals walked off the job.

Nearly 5,000 doctors and nurses at several Providence hospitals and clinics are set to hit the picket lines Friday in what could be the largest health care work

Thousands of health care workers at Providence hospitals and clinics in Oregon are planning to go on strike Jan. 10.

With concern growing over hospital care as a Friday strike looms at Providence Hospitals, representatives from the Oregon Nurses Association will hold a press conference to update the public on their preparations.

Thousands of nurses are expected to walk out along with dozens of doctors, all members of the Oregon Nurses Association.

On Tuesday, nearly 5,000 healthcare workers in Oregon announced their plans to go on strike, starting Friday, Jan. 10 at 6 a.m.

Providence has begun limiting admissions to its SW Portland hospital, St. Vincent Medical Center, ahead of what could be the largest health care strike in Oregon history. The big picture: Roughly 5,000 health care workers — including physicians,