Green Party NI Leader Clare Bailey MLA said: “No one should face abuse or be attacked in their workplace, least of all the healthcare workers whose sacrifices on the front line have saved countless lives throughout the pandemic. As we enter a difficult winter period, with the emergence of the Omicron variant, it is vital that workers in our health and care system are supported, and protected from attacks and abuse.
“This is clearly a widespread issue, with thousands of staff from all parts of our health and emergency services affected. The Green Party NI stands in solidarity with all of those impacted, and condemns all attacks on workers.
“We also encourage members of the public to take practical steps to protect our health system this winter, including getting fully vaccinated, maintaining good hand hygiene, and wearing a mask in crowded and indoor spaces.
“The Green Party NI supports the HSC Chairs’ Forum’s ‘Support our Staff’ campaign, and we call for the Executive to co-ordinate a multiagency approach to addressing attacks on health workers. Ministers need to ensure that their Departments, the Courts and the PSNI are working together to ensure that there is an effective response to this issue.”
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Media contact: Jack O'Dwyer-Henry (07504410770)