Nurses ‘terrified’ as migrant workers targeted in racist attacks amid Belfast disorder
Nurses were “completely horrified” after ethnic minority staff were targeted for suspected racist attacks during riots in Belfast.
Police are stepping up patrols around hospitals after a nurse was “chased and intimidated” by four masked men as she arrived at Ulster Hospital for work on Wednesday, a second day of violent disorder.
Care workers and nurses were also removed from their shifts after the windows of private home care service Connect Health were broken in violent clashes following the stabbing attack on Monday.
Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn condemned the mayhem as “racist thuggery” as houses and cars were set on fire in two nights of shocking violence.
“Bandits are burning people out of their homes because of the color of their skin. That’s not what Northern Ireland is about,” he said.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows said people chasing and intimidating nurses were the “scum of the earth”.
“If they think they are being patriotic by pursuing and intimidating people who care about our own citizens, they are traitors to our country,” he told Stormont.
“When the police catch them, they should arrest them, charge them, detain them, and the judge should give them an exemplary sentence.”
Rita Devlin, president of the Royal College of Nurses of Northern Ireland, hit out at attacks on internationally trained nurses “who we absolutely rely on to keep our services going”.
“There’s no doubt they’re absolutely terrified at the moment,” he told Times Radio, adding that there was no doubt they were being targeted because of the color of their skin.
Unison NI regional secretary Patricia McKeown said many other employees from minority backgrounds in public services had been subjected to threats. He said the nurse being followed insisted on still working her shift and alternative accommodation had since been found.
“This happens to everyone, whether they are a nurse, a social care worker, working in factories or living with families in Northern Ireland,” he added.
“Anyone with a different skin color or who comes from abroad has been targeted and there is no excuse for any of this, this is racism, plain and simple.”
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deputy chief commissioner Ryan Henderson condemned the “disgraceful” intimidation of healthcare workers and said police officers would return to the streets in “increased” numbers on Thursday.
A total of 12 police officers were injured on Wednesday when a balaclava-wearing crowd threw bricks and tear gas at police at Glengormley in Newtownabbey, north-west Belfast.
Hundreds of extra officers have been deployed from the north-east and north-west of England in preparation for new clashes on Thursday. He warned: “This violent behavior by a thuggish minority will not be tolerated.”
Mr Henderson told a press conference in Belfast: “I want to address the disgraceful threats and intimidations directed at our nurses, doctors, carers and medical staff, the men and women who work every day to save lives and care for sick relatives – they are the backbone of our public service.
“They care about our families, friends and loved ones. We are here to support them just as they support us.
“Tonight we will be increasing our patrols in key areas. I am speaking to colleagues at health trusts and others to hear about their concerns about staff welfare.”
He added: “The streets of Northern Ireland need to return to calm and order. Our children need to feel safe returning to school. Businesses need to feel they can open their doors. Everyone with influence needs to do what they can to keep thugs off our streets.”
The clashes continued despite the stabbed attacker’s call for calm. The family of Stephen Ogilvie, who lost an eye in Monday’s attack, condemned the second night of violence and said they were “disgusted” by the response.
Suspect Hadi Alodid, a Sudanese national, appeared at Belfast magistrates’ court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder, threatening to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife.
Mr Ogilvie’s family added in a statement: “We have many immigrants who make invaluable contributions to our country, including our healthcare system and hospitality industry, and we rely on them to keep our country functioning. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or incite hostility.”
DUP leader Gavin Robinson later said the victim’s condition was “improving” and he could emerge from his coma within the next 48 hours.
The South Eastern Trust, which runs the hospital where the nurse was chased by masked men, praised the nurse for finishing her shift.
The statement said, “We completely condemn this racist attack.” “This nurse bravely insisted on remaining at Ulster Hospital to provide care for the most vulnerable in our society.
“His behavior is in stark contrast to the behavior of people who intimidate him as he tries to do his job.”
Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced that fire crews trying to respond to fires were also attacked during the chaos. He recognized the bravery of first responders.
“It humbles me every time that they step up to serve their community, even when it puts them in danger, as has unfortunately happened over the past few nights,” he said.
The Minister also gave credit to health and social care (HSC) workers, adding: “I want to show my support for the many international workers who are vital and make an invaluable contribution to their patients and wider society. Without them, the HSC system would undoubtedly collapse.”
“People should have the right to live and work in peace, without being harmed or threatened, and I oppose this reprehensible racist and xenophobic behavior.”
He said they deserved nothing but our “deepest gratitude” and warned that preventing them from coming to work would have “real consequences” for healthcare delivery.
