A nurse of 'different skin colour' was chased and intimidated by four masked men in an alleged racist attack as she headed to work at the Ulster Hospital in Northern Ireland. Despite the ordeal, she bravely insisted on completing her shift.
Incident at Ulster Hospital
The woman works at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when she was singled out while on her way to work. Patricia McKeown from the Unison union revealed that the nurse insisted on completing her shift despite the traumatic experience.
"When we saw the call to arms on social media we knew our overseas members would be under threat," Ms McKeown told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme. She argued that "it's not good enough to call for calm" and leaders must take decisive action.
Condemnation from Trust
In a statement, the South Eastern Trust expressed its shock over the incident: "We utterly condemn this racist attack. This nurse bravely insisted on remaining in the Ulster Hospital to care for the most vulnerable in our community. Her behaviour is in stark contrast to the behaviour of the people who terrified her as she tried to do her job."
The Trust stated it "values and champions diversity and inclusion", adding: "All staff working in Health and Social Care across Northern Ireland are trying to care for everyone's families in incredibly difficult circumstances. We would like to thank them for their continued dedication."
Wider Unrest
Health workers from overseas at Whiteabbey hospital have also been left frightened after a "threat" was made against them. Separately, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt praised fire and ambulance crews for their courage and dedication during the civil unrest on Tuesday and Wednesday. Teams responded to numerous incidents amid violence and chaos across Northern Ireland.
Speaking on Thursday, the Minister declared: "We have witnessed absolutely unacceptable violence and disorder, inflicted on our communities by people with nothing to offer but division and destruction. Although it beggars belief, fire crews were prevented from getting to fires, and in some cases attacked, while simply trying to do their jobs and keep people safe."
He added: "I want to pay tribute to our brave firefighters and ambulance crews. Time and time again, I am humbled by the way they step up to serve their communities, even where, as was sadly the case the past couple of nights, this puts them in harm's way."
Support for International Workers
The Minister also offered reassurance to the Health and Social Care (HSC) workforce, stating: "The HSC system in Northern Ireland has always, and continues to be, a welcoming and diverse workforce. I want to show my support to the many international workers who are vital and provide an invaluable contribution to their patients and the wider community. Without them, the HSC system would undoubtedly collapse. People should be entitled to live and work in peace, free from harm and intimidation, and I stand against this reprehensible racist and xenophobic behaviour."
International colleagues provide the core essential skills required and support some of the most vulnerable people in our society. They deserve nothing less than our utmost gratitude and appreciation. The Minister concluded: "Our international colleagues are deeply welcome here and their health, safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance. It is vital that our HSC staff are not prevented from attending their workplace. This could have real consequences for service delivery and will simply not be tolerated."
