International healthcare workers have “full support”, says Northern Trust chief

The interim chief executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has offered reassurance to its international workers following recent civil unrest across Northern Ireland.

Speaking at a meeting of the Trust Board at Antrim Hospital on Thursday morning, 25 June, Suzanne Pullins acknowledged the difficulties experienced by 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 that they have my full support,” she said.

The interim chief executive added that the Trust’s priority remained the safety and wellbeing of all staff and service users.

She also paid tribute to those who continued to deliver care and services during the disturbances earlier this month.

A joint statement from the 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, is able to provide essential care to everyone who needs it, without fear or intimidation.”

Civil disorder across Northern Ireland followed a serious knife attack on a man in north Belfast.

A 30-year-old man originally from Sudan appeared in court charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident, which left the victim with serious injuries.

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 also condemned what he described as “the disgraceful threats and intimidation directed at our nurses, carers and other healthcare workers.

“These men and women work every day to save lives and care for patients.

“They are the backbone of our public services. They are caring for our families, friends and loved ones in our communities. We are here to support them, in the same way that they support us.”