Hundreds of health workers line out for Minute’s Silence in memory of colleagues

Nurses, doctors and health care workers lined out this morning for a Minute’s Silence in memory of colleagues who have died due to the COVID-19 virus.
By Carmel Robinson
Published 28th Apr 2020, 10:44 BST
Updated 28th Apr 2020, 15:28 BST
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Some staff at Craigavon Hospital lined the route to the building in silence while others stood outside Lurgan Hospital, Daisy Hill Hospital as well as Dungannon and Armagh hospitals.

Organised by a number of unions including The Royal College of Nursing, UNITE, UNISON, the Royal College of Midwives and NIPSA, the show of unity took place at 11am.

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A spokesperson for the Southern Health Trust said: Just a few hours ago, our staff united with people around the world and held a minute’s silence to commemorate the healthcare workers who have tragically lost their lives in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health workers stand for a Minutes's Silence in memory of colleagues who have died during the COVID-19 pandemicHealth workers stand for a Minutes's Silence in memory of colleagues who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic
Health workers stand for a Minutes's Silence in memory of colleagues who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic

“We were joined at South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon by the First and Deputy First Minister.”

The Minister of Health, Robin Swann, said: “International Workers’ Memorial Day is an important, annual international commemoration. It is brought into even sharper focus for us this year as we battle Covid-19. I know that the main health and social care unions have suggested a minute of silence and I wholeheartedly endorse this proposal, as does the Executive as whole.

“Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care employers will be marking the minute of silence wherever possible, and I hope that others do the same.

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“Whilst our thoughts are with health and social care workers in particular this year, we cannot forget the sacrifices made by all other workers, both at this time, and in the past too – across all sectors.”

Health workers stand for a Minutes's Silence in memory of colleagues who have died during the COVID-19 pandemicHealth workers stand for a Minutes's Silence in memory of colleagues who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic
Health workers stand for a Minutes's Silence in memory of colleagues who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Health workers stand for a Minutes's Silence in memory of colleagues who have died during the COVID-19 pandemicHealth workers stand for a Minutes's Silence in memory of colleagues who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic
Health workers stand for a Minutes's Silence in memory of colleagues who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Related topics:NursesRobin SwannNorthern Ireland

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