Northern Health Trust chief offers reassurance to international workers following recent civil unrest
The interim chief executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has offered reassurance to its international workers following recent civil unrest.
Speaking at a meeting of the Trust Board at Antrim Hospital, on Thursday morning, Suzanne Pullins acknowledged difficulty for Trust staff during this period, particularly “colleagues from the international community”.
“There is no place for racism in our society. I want to reassure all colleagues, they have my full support,” she said.
The interim chief executive added that the priority of the Trust was the safety of all staff and service users.
She went on to give recognition to everyone who continued to provide service during the disturbances earlier this month.
A joint statement from chief executives of Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Trusts, issued on June 10, said: “It is completely unacceptable that our international staff, who provide an invaluable service, should be intimidated or feel too frightened to come to work.
“As chief executives, we value every single member of our staff, who are trying to care for vulnerable people, both in our hospitals and in the community every day.
“It is imperative that everyone who works across our Health and Social Care Service, including care homes, community pharmacies, home care and primary care, are able to provide essential care to everyone that needs it, without fear or intimidation.”
Civil disorder across Northern Ireland occurred following a brutal knife attack on a man in north Belfast. A 30-year-old man, originally from Sudan, appeared in court charged with attempted murder over the attack which caused serious injuries to the victim.
Condemning the violence, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the “violent behaviour by a thuggish minority, will not be tolerated” following rioting in Belfast, Newtownabbey and Portadown.
He condemned what he described as “the disgraceful threats and intimidation directed to our nurses, carers and other healthcare workers. Men and women who work every day to save lives and care for sick relatives.
“They are the backbone of our public service. They are caring for our family, friends and loved ones in our communities. We are here to support them. In the same way they support us.”
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter