Northern Ireland’s CNO condemns ‘utterly horrific’ racist attack against nurse

Northern Ireland’s chief nursing officer is among those who have condemned ‘utterly horrific’ intimidation and racism experienced by a nurse and other health workers in Belfast.

A statement from Maria McIlgorm and other chief professional officers at the Department of Health has condemned the ‘violent and racist scenes’ witnessed in Northern Ireland this week after a man was attacked in north Belfast on Monday night.

The BBC has reported that the victim remains in hospital with serious injuries to his eyes, neck and back after the attack, and that a 30-year-old Sudanese man has appeared in court in Belfast charged with attempted murder.

Following the incident, violence and disorder has descended across many parts of Northern Ireland, with reports of health workers being targeted.

A nurse who was on her way to work at Ulster Hospital was ‘chased and intimidated’ in what has been described by the South Eastern Trust as a racist attack.

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‘This nurse bravely insisted on remaining in the Ulster Hospital to care for the most vulnerable in our community,’ a spokesperson for the trust said.

‘Her behaviour is in stark contrast to the behaviour of the people who terrified her as she tried to do her job.’

It added that it was ‘horrified’ by the situation and that all staff working in Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care were ‘trying to care for everyone’s families in incredibly difficult circumstances’

‘We would like to thank them for their continued dedication,’ they said.

In a subsequent statement issued by the Department of Health, signed by the CNO and other professional leads, it said: ‘We utterly condemn the violent and racist scenes we have once again witnessed on our streets in recent days.

‘To hear that a nurse on her way to work was chased and intimidated and to hear reports that other staff were stopped by masked individuals is utterly horrific.

‘We can only imagine how frightening such encounters must have been for those staff members.

‘That the nurse who was chased then continued to work to carry out her shift showed a dedication and commitment to her community so lacking in the behaviour of those who terrorised her.’

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They said it was ‘utterly unacceptable’ that international health professionals were left ‘feeling scared and worried’.

‘To those who are feeling vulnerable and anxious at this time, please know that these actions of violence and racism are not reflective of the beliefs of the majority in Northern Ireland,’ the statement added.

‘This behaviour is contemptable. It is devoid of any compassion, empathy or humanity, and stands in stark contrast to the way in which you demonstrate those very attributes so willingly and ably each and every day in our communities.’

They stressed the ‘hugely valuable contribution’ made by international colleagues within health and social care.

‘As has been routinely pointed out, without you, the system would collapse,’ they said.

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‘We know how truly difficult a period this is for you and your families, but we hope you realise that you have our full and unwavering support.

‘We stand with you and utterly condemn these despicable and shameful acts.

‘Our thoughts are also with the victim of the horrific attack in north Belfast on Monday and we welcome the very dignified response from his family.’