Trust staff help nurses move home in wake of racist attacks
Staff belonging to a Northern Irish hospital trust have helped their international colleagues move to temporary accommodation, after their homes were targeted in a racist attack.
Nurses were among eight African families who were forced to leave the Ballycraigy estate in Antrim this week, when their homes were graffitied with spray paint and racist posters were taped to their windows.
“I want to send a strong message that our entire workforce has my support and the support of our community”
Jennifer Welsh
Several families also had their car windows smashed. Four of the eight families who had to leave their homes following the incidents were employed at Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
Chief executive of the trust, Jennifer Welsh, said: “Attacks of this nature are never acceptable, but it is particularly upsetting to think that anyone would target members of our health service.
“To be targeted while in their own home is deeply distressing, and sadly there have been a number of recent incidents where members of staff have been subjected to racial abuse and felt threatened.
“This is totally unacceptable,” she added. Ms Welsh said that the trust was “very proud” of its diverse workforce.
“We depend on our international staff, all of whom are dedicated members of our team and play a vital role in delivering health and social care in our community,” she said.
“I know that the vast majority of people are supportive of our staff.”
The BBC reported that the nurses’ colleagues and other trust staff had helped the families pack up their belongings, clean their accommodation and move out.
Ms Welsh added: “I want to send a strong message that our entire workforce has my support and the support of our community.
“We are wrapping around these nurses and offering our support at this time.”
On social media platform X, the secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said: “I deplore these shocking racist attacks on hardworking families, including nurses.
“This kind of hatred has no place in our society and I urge anyone with information to contact the police.”
Last week, the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with a number of race hate-related incidents in Antrim.
He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
