04/09/2025
Our leaders and senior clinicians have jointly condemned a number of recent racial attacks and abuse on Trust staff.
Speaking at September’s Trust Board meeting, held at the South West Acute Hospital, Chief Executive of the Western Trust, Neil Guckian, said:
“We are disheartened to learn of the abuse some of our colleagues have been subjected to and condemn this in the strongest possible terms.”
“We recognise and deeply value the contribution of our international colleagues, who are integral to the delivery of our services. Their skills, knowledge, and commitment strengthen our workforce and enhance the care we provide to our patients and communities. We are proud of the diversity within our organisation and remain steadfast in our support and appreciation for the expertise and experience our staff bring from across the world.”
Roshin Rahman, Chair of the Western Trust’s Ethnically Diverse Staff Network, said:
“Our staff dedicate themselves to serving our patients and their families, often in the most challenging circumstances, and they deserve to feel safe and supported in our communities. Racism has no place in our hospitals or communities and any racially motivated abuse or violence directed at staff and their families will not be tolerated. Such acts are damaging to our staff’s sense of safety, dignity and wellbeing and also affect our teams collectively. They undermine morale and threaten the values of respect, compassion and inclusion that are fundamental to the care we provide.”
We are committed to supporting any staff member affected by hate crime and will work with our partners in the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the wider community to ensure any such incidents are addressed.
Neil continued:
“Our message is very clear. We stand united with all our staff, their families and our communities against racism and we will continue to promote a culture of equality, respect, and zero tolerance for discrimination.”
The Trust’s Ethnically Diverse Staff Network has developed a new Staff Intranet Hub, which includes support and signposting information for staff who are experiencing racial abuse.