‘Beyond unacceptable’ that nurse was chased into Ulster Hospital by masked men

By Gráinne Ní Aodha (Press Association)

A nurse who was chased and “intimidated” while on her way to Ulster Hospital has been praised for staying on to work after the incident.

The nurse was chased by “four masked men”, a union representative said, in what has been condemned as a “horrific” and “racist” event.

The South Eastern Trust praised the nurse for her bravery in insisting on working her shift after being “terrified”, while Health Secretary James Murray said the intimidation was “beyond unacceptable”.

Patricia McKeown, the regional secretary for Unison, said many public servants they represent had received threats.

“Yesterday evening, a nurse with a different skin colour was chased into the Ulster Hospital by four masked men,” she told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme.

“This is happening to anyone whether they be nurses or social care workers or working in factories, or living with families across Northern Ireland.

“Everyone has been targeted who has a different skin colour or who comes from overseas, and there is no excuse for any of this, this is racism pure and simple.”

Ms McKeown said alternative accommodation has since been found for the nurse.

The South Eastern Trust commended the nurse for “bravely” insisting on remaining at the hospital to care for people and condemned the “racist attack”.

“The South Eastern Trust is horrified that a nurse on her way to work last night was chased and intimated,” it said.

“We utterly condemn this racist attack.

“This nurse bravely insisted on remaining in the Ulster Hospital to care for the most vulnerable in our community.

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

“The trust values and champions diversity and inclusion.

“All staff working in Health and Social Care across Northern Ireland are trying to care for everyone’s families in incredibly difficult circumstances.

“We would like to thank them for their continued dedication.”

Health Secretary James Murray told the Press Association it was “absolutely horrific” and “beyond unacceptable”.

“I’m so sorry to hear that that’s happened in our country,” he said.

“We need to make sure that NHS staff are protected and they can continue to do the fantastic work they do day in, day out.

“I think the nurse in that case, I heard, carried on and went to work, even despite what happened, and I think for me that shows that alongside some of the worst of our country – in the way that they were intimidated – some of the best of our country – in that that nurse went to work and continued to serve people through the NHS.”