A week of racist intimidation and violence across Northern Ireland has left many healthcare professionals fearful, according to the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Trust Chief Executive Karen Hargan expressed the organisation's stance, stating that it was founded on equality, respect, compassion and collaboration. The Trust stands against all forms of hatred, racism and discrimination, she said, and there is no place for such behaviour in society.

Hargan addressed staff from ethnic minority backgrounds directly, offering full support and emphasising that their safety, dignity and wellbeing are of utmost importance. No one should feel unsafe or unwelcome in their workplace or community, she added.

The Trust's senior leaders have met with members of its Ethnically Diverse Staff Network and other employees. They also engaged with MLAs, MPs, elected representatives, the PSNI and council representatives to listen to concerns and discuss the Trust's response.

Following these meetings, Trust leaders, elected representatives and partners issued a joint statement reaffirming their shared commitment to diversity, inclusion and respect. They described themselves as one community, saying it is essential to support those who may feel most vulnerable.

The statement declared that racism, hatred and intimidation have no place in workplaces, services or communities. Together, they committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and to working collectively to challenge and eliminate all forms of discrimination across the Western Trust area.