Health services move appointments over riot fears

Riots in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool resulted in 62 arrests

Medical appointments have been postponed in an effort to safeguard NHS staff and patients from the impact of riots.

A GP federation and hospitals across Teesside took action in response to disruption from days of "deplorable violence and criminal activity".

Stacey Hunter, group chief executive for University Hospitals Tees, said some clinics had to be moved and risk assessments carried out ahead of home visits.

She said some healthcare workers had struggled to attend shifts as a result of recent disorder in the area, adding: "No one should feel afraid to go to work and to live their lives."

Violent demonstrations have been taking place across the country ever since the killing of three children in Southport.

They have seen considerable damage caused to towns and cities, including Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.

University Hospitals Tees, which incorporates hospitals in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Stockton and Redcar, is closely monitoring the current situation.

Ms Hunter said a small number of community clinics had to be moved this week, though healthcare services had remained operational.

Staff had shown outstanding professionalism in responding and dealing with the consequences of "horrific violence", she added.

She said support was in place for staff, who can access escorts to take them through hospital car parks, and added: "We are committed to our zero-tolerance approach to anyone abusing our staff.

"We stand by our colleagues so they feel safe over this period."

'Appalled'

On Monday, businesses across Stockton closed their doors while a small number of healthcare clinics were moved in anticipation of further rioting.

GP federation Hartlepool and Stockton Health (HASH) stood down evening clinics in Stockton and Billingham to "prioritise the safety of our team and patients".

Chief executive Fiona Adamson said lots of patients were scared and had welcomed the opportunity to rebook their appointments.

She added: "I was appalled at the riots in the name of protest at the weekend, and the violence and racism displayed.

"Many of our GPs, nurses and wider team are from an ethnic minority background and we hugely value the care they provide, as do our patients."

Services were now running as normal, she said.

GP Paul Williams said the NHS "would be nothing" without staff from other countries

Stockton GP Paul Williams, who carries out work for HASH, said some of his peers had been too scared to go into work.

"Doctors, nurses and healthcare workers from ethnic minorities make such a valuable contribution to our health service," he said.

"I've checked on a few friends over the past few days and they've told me there are parts of the town that they do not feel safe working in at the moment.

"It is totally devastating that some are frightened to go into work because of the fear of intimidation."

'Deplorable violence'

On Tuesday, NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said there was no justification for "the deplorable violence, intimidation and thuggery" that followed the Southport killings.

Highlighting the 200 nationalities represented in its workforce, she said the NHS would carry on through adversity and do "what needs to be done for the patients who need us".

She added: "But we shouldn't let dedication to duty disguise the fact that for many NHS workers, seeing this flare up of racism will leave them feeling afraid and unwelcome.

"To those colleagues, my message is simple: you are welcome, you are a valued member of our community, and that community should look after you."