A nurse was chased and intimidated by four masked men in a racist attack as she travelled to the Ulster Hospital in Northern Ireland on Wednesday eveningLaura Hill and Lauren Harte11:19, 11 Jun 2026Updated 11:20, 11 Jun 2026Widespread outrage has erupted after a nurse was chased and intimidated by four masked men into a Northern Ireland hospital in a racist attack.‌The nurse was targeted by the thugs as she made her way to her shift at the Ulster Hospital on Wednesday evening. The masked men intimidated her and chased her into the hospital.‌Despite the harrowing ordeal, the nurse was determined to carry out her duties when she arrived at the hospital, Patricia McKeown from the Unison union revealed.‌In an official statement, the South Eastern NHS Trust described itself as "horrified" by the attack: "We utterly condemn this racist attack."This nurse bravely insisted on remaining in the Ulster Hospital to care for the most vulnerable in our community. Her behaviour is in stark contrast to the behaviour of the people who terrified her as she tried to do her job."The Trust said that it "values and champions diversity and inclusion" and said: "All staff working in Health and Social Care across Northern Ireland are trying to care for everyone's families in incredibly difficult circumstances. We would like to thank them for their continued dedication."‌Unison regional secretary Patricia McKeown said that overseas staff are 'under threat' in Northern Ireland. Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme she said: "When we saw the call to arms on social media we knew our overseas members would be under threat."She stressed that "it's not good enough to call for calm" and urged leaders to take decisive action, reports Belfast Live.Meanwhile, overseas health workers at another hospital in Northern Ireland, Whiteabbey Hospital, have been left terrified after a "threat" was made against them.‌Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has praised fire and ambulance crews for their courage and dedication during the public disorder that erupted on Tuesday and Wednesday. Emergency crews responded to numerous incidents throughout the evenings and into the early hours as violence and unrest swept across streets in Northern Ireland.Speaking on Thursday, the Minister said: "We have witnessed absolutely unacceptable violence and disorder, inflicted on our communities by people with nothing to offer but division and destruction. Although it beggars belief, fire crews were prevented from getting to fires, and in some cases attacked, while simply trying to do their jobs and keep people safe."I want to pay tribute to our brave firefighters and ambulance crews. Time and time again, I am humbled by the way they step up to serve their communities, even where, as was sadly the case the past couple of nights, this puts them in harm's way."‌The Minister also moved to reassure the Health and Social Care (HSC) workforce, stating: "The HSC system in Northern Ireland has always, and continues to be, a welcoming and diverse workforce. I want to show my support to the many international workers who are vital and provide an invaluable contribution to their patients and the wider community."Without them, the HSC system would undoubtedly collapse. People should be entitled to live and work in peace, free from harm and intimidation, and I stand against this reprehensible racist and xenophobic behaviour."International colleagues provide the core essential skills required and support some of the most vulnerable people in our society. They deserve nothing less than our utmost gratitude and appreciation. Our international colleagues are deeply welcome here and their health, safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance."Article continues belowHe warned that Trusts may not be able to provide healthcare services if international workers continue to be threatened and said: "It is vital that our HSC staff are not prevented from attending their workplace. This could have real consequences for service delivery and will simply not be tolerated."