Community Stands in Solidarity With HSC Staff After Racist Attacks

A wave of condemnation and deep community solidarity has swept across our area following a shocking incident where an overseas nurse was chased and intimidated by four masked men on her way to work. Despite the terrifying ordeal, which occurred on Wednesday evening as she was heading to her shift at the Ulster Hospital, the dedicated nurse bravely insisted on completing her duties to care for vulnerable patients.

Representatives from the Unison union expressed deep concern for overseas staff, highlighting that social media posts had put international workers under threat. Trade union representative Patricia McKeown emphasized that calls for calm are no longer enough and urged leaders to take decisive action to protect staff. The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust also expressed its horror, utterly condemning the racist attack and praising the nurse's incredible bravery, which stands in stark contrast to the cowardly actions of those who terrified her.

The disturbing incident comes alongside reports that international health workers at Whiteabbey Hospital have been left terrified following threats made against them. The Health and Social Care (HSC) system relies heavily on the vital contributions of overseas staff. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasized this, stating that the health service would collapse without international colleagues, who deserve our utmost gratitude, appreciation, and the right to live and work in peace.

In addition to supporting health staff, the Minister praised the bravery of fire and ambulance crews who faced unacceptable violence and obstruction while trying to keep communities safe during recent public disorder. As a community, North Belfast stands firmly with all our healthcare workers, emergency services, and international neighbors. We reject racism and xenophobia, and we send our deepest thanks to those who continue to care for us in the face of such adversity.