Open statement from UHP in response to violent protests
The Board at UHP would like to publish the message we have sent to our staff, regarding the deliberate acts of violence that have taken place across the UK, and in Plymouth this week.
"Over the last few days we have seen deplorable violence and intimidation in towns and cities across the UK. Many colleagues may have seen or heard the horrifying actions, which also spread to our city of Plymouth. On behalf of the board at UHP, we wholeheartedly condemn the deliberate acts of violence that have taken place and we want to make a clear statement about our values and behaviours as an organisation.
"At UHP we take pride in having a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The values we hold, and the behaviours we expect from staff, patients and visitors, mean that we unequivocally do not and will not tolerate racism, islamophobia, misogyny, homophobia, or discrimination or abuse of any kind, at any time, in any place. This includes activity on social media. We will take decisive action if this is seen or reported.
"Our workforce of over 11,000 people, is made up of talented and committed people from 92 countries. It is a remarkable feature of our Trust – being able to call on the expertise and skills of individuals from all corners of the world to provide services for people in need in our local communities.
"It truly saddens me that some of our colleagues have been worried and concerned for their safety over the last few days. This is wrong, unfair and simply should not be tolerated. We work in an organisation that cares for people, we are here to help each and every person that needs our services.
"At UHP we want to be a beacon of compassion and inclusivity– this must be a safe place for our staff and patients, where everyone is treated with kindness and respect."
Support for colleagues
"As we detailed in our message to staff this week, we recognise members of our wider communities may be feeling frightened or anxious. The scenes we saw in our city, will understandably be overwhelming and emotional for some. You may also have family and friends affected in other areas of the country. If you do need support, or see colleagues who are struggling, please know we have support available – do not struggle on alone. We have detailed those support options available for staff in our internal messaging this week.
"If you need to report any incidents that take place outside of work you can report these with Devon and Cornwall Police.
- In an emergency: call 999
- Non Emergency: call 101
- Reporting online: Home | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)
"We have always considered ourselves #1BigTeam here at UHP and we have always rallied round in the aftermath of events that have affected us. We are far stronger together as a united community, and our values and behaviours as an organisation will always uphold that sentiment. Please check in with colleagues who you know may be affected or worried and offer some support, including those that are detailed above."
Take care and know you are not alone.
Mark Hackett
Interim Chief Executive
On behalf of the Board of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
