ABC Lord Mayor ‘saddened’ to hear Craigavon Area Hospital health workers’ fears following unrest in Portadown
The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon has spoken of her “sadness” after hearing personal accounts of the fear felt by international healthcare workers at Craigavon Area Hospital during recent unrest.
Councillor Mary O’Dowd visited the hospital to meet staff and hear first-hand of their experiences of living locally during disturbances in Portadown.
Cllr O’Dowd listened to the workers’ personal experiences, including the fear they felt for themselves and their families. Staff also shared their appreciation for the support they received from colleagues, neighbours and friends during this difficult time.
Hospital management also attended the meeting and highlighted the vital contribution of staff from across all fields of expertise to the delivery of services within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. They emphasised the essential role of international staff in ensuring the Trust can continue to provide its much‑needed services.
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Cllr O’Dowd said: “I would like to express my support for the international staff who play a vital and essential role here in Craigavon Area Hospital and indeed across our entire health and social care system. Your contribution is invaluable to each and every one of us.
"It truly saddens me that the actions of a small minority involved in the unrest have overshadowed the incredibly warm, welcoming and supportive nature of people in the area.
"I would like to assure our international workers that I have listened very carefully to everyone’s experiences. I will raise these issues and concerns with the PSNI and will continue working to ensure we do not see a repeat of this type of recent behaviour in the future.”