Health Minister condemns racist violence
Date published:
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has condemned the recent racist violence and offered his support to international colleagues working throughout the Health & Social Care system.
“The actions of recent days have no doubt left some members of our HSC family feeling frightened and vulnerable,” the Minister said.
“It is well accepted within Health and Social Care that without our international colleagues, the health service would collapse.
“The international recruits who arrive to work here across our HSC system provide an immensely valuable contribution to the delivery of health and social care services and enrich our communities with their diversity.
“Since taking up the post of Health Minister last year, I have had the privilege of meeting healthcare staff right across Northern Ireland, including many of our internationally recruited colleagues who have brought their skills, experience and expertise to our health service. They are greatly needed, very much appreciated and highly valued. They are deeply welcome here and their health, safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance.
“People should be entitled to live in peace, free from harm and intimidation, and I stand against this reprehensible, racist and xenophobic behaviour.”
Northern Ireland has a proud reputation of providing excellent pastoral care and practical support for our international recruits. HSC employers will continue to provide support for staff as needed and those who are feeling concerned and vulnerable should reach out for help.
Notes to editors:
1. Please see a statement from the Department of Health’s Chief Professional Officers here - https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/statement-chief-professional-officers
2. International recruitment is a key avenue in addressing our resource issues in the future and ensuring that the health & social care service can deliver the safe and effective service for patients.
3. Since 2016 over 1,700 international nurses have been recruited regionally across the five geographically defined HSC Trusts through the well-established and highly successful International Nurse Recruitment project.
4. International medical recruitment is undertaken by HSC Trusts running their own targeted recruitment projects. Overall, HSC Trusts have reported a total number of 188 overseas doctors who have commenced employment between April 23 to March 24.
5. As of 12 June 2025, there are 7,783 people registered in social work or social care who have declared themselves as being from outside the United Kingdom and Ireland, from across 70 different countries. Of these, 7,688 are social care practitioners, and 95 are social workers. *Data from the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (The Social Care Council).
6. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
7. Follow us on X @healthdpt and linkedIn Department of Health NI | LinkedIn
8. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.