Hospital staff attacked by loyalist group

Staff at a Belfast hospital were forced to endure a tirade of verbal abuse and were physically assaulted during an weekend attack which is thought to be the work of loyalist paramilitaries.

Police are to study security videos in order to ascertain the exact details of the incident, which occurred in the Royal Victoria Hospital on Saturday 21 July. A spokesperson from the hospital said that the attack involved members of hospital staff in the casualty department receiving death threats from individuals who claimed to be members of the Loyalist Volunteer Force. Hospital staff were also spat upon and verbally abused during the incident.

Hospital medical director, Dr Ian Carson said that it was intolerable that employees should be subjected to such violence, and called for immediate and universal condemnation of such behaviour, especially from those “who would have influence in the group to which these people claim to belong”.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt. Rev James Moore also denounced the attacks, and said: “No community can afford to have violence directed at hospitals, social services centres, ambulances, fire brigades and police. These are services for everyone’s good and to save and protect lives. It is time for those concerned to step back from violent acts and allow those working for the good of our local communities to do their work.”

Representatives from health union Unison were scheduled to meet with staff from the casualty department on Monday 23 July to discuss action in the wake of the incident, which could include a stepping up of security at the Royal and several other hospitals in the area. (CL)