HEALTHCARE staff were punched, spat on and called racist slurs during multiple incidents of racial abuse at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), The Impartial Reporter can reveal.

According to information obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI), a total of four incidents of racially motivated abuse have been recorded at the local hospital over the past two years, with each incident involving patients physically or verbally abusing migrant healthcare staff.

And while the Western Health and Social Care Trust were unable to provide the specific language or slurs used by the patients, redacted reports provide a sobering account of abuse experienced by staff working in this local healthcare setting.

A report on August 27 of last year reveals how a member of staff suffered "violence and abuse" by a patient, which caused them "emotional harm."

A description of the incident read: "Patient was sitting outside (the) room (and) spat out at me saying (XXXXX). Also attempted to trip the patient I was helping at the time."

The incident was reported to the nurse in charge, and an investigation took place.

The incident saw the Trust's mental health team providing a plan of care and treatment, which was also implemented by ward staff.

"This level of aggression has been resolved," the report read.

Earlier in August 2023, a report revealed how a member of staff was also subject to "violence and abuse."

"Patient A verbally abusive to when (staff) was helping (staff) prepare lunch,” read a report from August 13.

“Patient A swore at (staff) and, when (they) turned to leave, threw a fork at (staff). Also was racially abusive and stated XXXXXX."

The situation was de-escalated by another member of staff, and the patient was spoken to about their behaviour.

The patient was referred twice to the mental health team for this “aggressive behaviour”.

A follow-up report stated: "Patient had input from mental health re management of aggression. Same implemented by staff. Patient had reacted well to treatment plan, and this level of agitation and aggression has now been resolved."

In 2022, a member of staff was performing a routine healthcare task when they also became the target of racist abuse.

"(The patient) looked up at my face and started calling 'XXXX' get out of my room," read an incident report from October 28, 2022.

"I immediately left (the) room and asked another (member of staff) to take over."

According to the incident report, while the patient had "advanced dementia," "racial abuse is unacceptable in all forms and staff need to point this out to patients, even those with dementia."

Also in October 2022, another member of staff experienced both physical and verbal abuse at SWAH.

An incident report from October 19 read: "During personal care, patient punching, pulling staff's hair, cursing, calling names, and making racist comments."

Again, while the patient had "advanced dementia," in this instance, staff members were changed over in an attempt to gain the patient's confidence and trust.

The incident also resulted in additional training for staff.

"Need to complete Delirium tool at time of incident, further training for staff in Dementia/delirium and safety intervention training including clinical holding training needed."

According to the Western Trust, in each incident the affected staff involved were provided with support with the assistance of the “International staff recruitment team.”

The Trust added that patients were also advised that this behaviour is not acceptable and staff were asked to rotate shifts in order to ensure those who were exposed to racial abuse were “not put in this position again”.

The Western Trust also encouraged healthcare professionals to stand up against hatred and discrimination.

“It is our duty, both as healthcare professionals and as members of this community, to stand up against any form of hatred or discrimination, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds. They are valued members, and their safety, dignity, and well-being are paramount,” said a Western Trust spokesman.

“Those staff are encouraged to report to their line manager, a colleague, or Trade Union representative immediately any behaviour that does not align with our values.”

These incidents of racist abuse have been condemned by two major healthcare unions.

Jill Weir, Secretary of the Fermanagh and Omagh Unison branch, said: "UNISON condemns any form of abuse against any staff within the NHS, especially from a group of staff who have left their homes to come and support our NHS in its time of need.

"Many of these wonderful workers have lived here for many years and have made Fermanagh their home. 2023 was UNISON's year of the Black worker.

"UNISON has supported ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ from its beginning and has strong black and migrant organised groups in all its regions. There is no room for racism in society, and there is definitely no room for racism in the NHS."

Meanwhile, Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland, said: “Whether in their first months of working here or after decades working in our health system, our international colleagues are welcome, valued, and owed a debt of gratitude.

“One case of racist abuse in any healthcare setting is one too many. The RCN is very clear that this type of behaviour has no place in our society, and incidents such as this should be condemned fully.

“Nursing staff of every nationality and ethnic heritage are holding the health service together right across Northern Ireland. They are a credit to our profession and a powerful reminder of the strength we find in diversity and unity.”

UUP MLA Diana Armstrong also condemned the incidents.

“Racism has no place in our society, and it is particularly distressing to see such behaviour occurring in a healthcare setting, where every individual should feel safe and respected,” Ms. Armstrong said.

DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine described the incidents as “disgraceful.”

“It is absolutely disgraceful that there has been any racial slurs towards healthcare staff at the SWAH,” Mrs. Erskine said.

“The Western Trust are employing staff to provide us all with healthcare and life-saving treatment. It is incredulous that anyone would go to a hospital and abuse those trying to care for them.”