Healthcare workers at Craigavon Area Hospital have spoken of the fear they felt for themselves and their families while living in Portadown during last week’s unrest.
Their experiences were shared during a visit by the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, to the hospital on Wednesday, June 17, where she met staff to hear first-hand how recent events in the town had affected them.
Staff described the anxiety they experienced over their own safety and that of their loved ones, but also expressed appreciation for the support they received from colleagues, neighbours and friends throughout what they called a difficult time.
Hospital management, who also attended the meeting, highlighted the vital contribution of staff from across all areas of expertise to the delivery of services within the Southern Trust. They stressed in particular the essential role played by international staff in ensuring the Trust can continue to provide its much‑needed services.
Following the visit, Cllr O’Dowd paid tribute to those workers and voiced her concern about what she had heard.
“I would like to express my support for the international staff who play a vital and essential role here in Craigavon Area Hospital and indeed across our entire health and social care system. Your contribution is invaluable to each and every one of us,” she said.
“It truly saddens me that the actions of a small minority involved in last week’s unrest have overshadowed the incredibly warm, welcoming and supportive nature of people in the area.
“I would like to assure our international workers that I have listened very carefully to everyone’s experiences. I will raise these issues and concerns with the PSNI and will continue working to ensure we do not see a repeat of this type of recent behaviour in the future.”
