Health Minister and Chief Officers condemn racist violence against HSC staff

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has issued a strong condemnation of the recent wave of racist violence in Northern Ireland, expressing his deep concern for international healthcare professionals working in the Health and Social Care (HSC) system and reaffirming their vital role in society.

In a statement issued this week, Mr Nesbitt acknowledged the fear and uncertainty that many international workers are now facing as a result of targeted intimidation and attacks.

“The actions of recent days have no doubt left some members of our HSC family feeling frightened and vulnerable,” he said.

Mr Nesbitt paid tribute to the essential role played by internationally recruited staff, stating that the health service would simply not function without their contributions.

“It is well accepted within Health and Social Care that without our international colleagues, the health service would collapse.

“The international recruits who arrive to work here across our HSC system provide an immensely valuable contribution to the delivery of health and social care services and enrich our communities with their diversity.”

Reflecting on his tenure as Health Minister, he added:

“Since taking up the post of Health Minister last year, I have had the privilege of meeting healthcare staff right across Northern Ireland, including many of our internationally recruited colleagues who have brought their skills, experience and expertise to our health service.

“They are greatly needed, very much appreciated and highly valued. They are deeply welcome here and their health, safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance.”

He concluded with an unambiguous condemnation of racist behaviour:

“People should be entitled to live in peace, free from harm and intimidation, and I stand against this reprehensible, racist and xenophobic behaviour.”

Chief Officers: “You are welcome, you are deeply valued”

In a strong and united response, Northern Ireland’s most senior health professionals issued a joint statement denouncing the violence, which they described as “appalling”, “shameful”, and “vile”.

Signed by the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer and other senior figures, the statement said:

“The appalling and violent scenes of recent days are nothing short of shameful.

“That people should be targeted and threatened simply because of their ethnicity, skin colour or cultural background is utterly despicable.

That they should be intimidated out of their own homes is vile.”

The Chief Officers acknowledged the emotional toll on healthcare staff who may be reminded of similar incidents in the recent past.

“We know there will be many of our international colleagues within the committed and dedicated Health & Social Care and independent sector workforce who will be distressed by what has unfolded.

We know that, less than a year after similar scenes on our streets last summer, you are once again left feeling frightened and anxious.”

In a direct message of support to those affected, the joint statement continued:

“But please know this: You are welcome, you are deeply valued, and you have our full support. We are the better for your presence here.”

The officials stressed that these acts of hatred are not representative of the broader population:

“This behaviour is not representative of Northern Ireland, nor the people who live here.”

They urged communities and colleagues to come together in support of those targeted:

“At this time, it is important that each one of us reaches out to provide comfort and support to our friends and colleagues who have come here from outside of Northern Ireland.”

The Chief Officers praised the professionalism and compassion of international recruits who, despite challenges, continue to serve local communities:

“They go out to work each and every day, serving our communities with professionalism, dignity, kindness and compassion.

“We stand with them and condemn, in the strongest possible terms, these blatant acts of racist thuggery.”

The statement was signed by:

• Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer

• Professor Maria McIlgorm, Chief Nursing Officer

• Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker

• Professor Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer

• Professor Ian Young, Chief Scientific Adviser

• Professor Michelle Tennyson, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer

• Caroline Lappin, Chief Dental Officer

Continued support and safe working environment

Northern Ireland has developed a respected framework of pastoral care and practical support for its international health workers, and HSC employers have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring all staff feel safe, respected, and supported.

The Department of Health has encouraged any staff member feeling threatened or vulnerable to seek support through their employer or pastoral care services.

“Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and to live in a safe environment free from harm and intimidation.”