Hospital graffiti removal work declined by contractors

The head of the Belfast Health Trust has stated that pro-Palestinian graffiti persists on a wall at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) due to multiple contractors declining to undertake its removal. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has brought the matter of the slogans located on the Falls Road side of the RVH to the attention of the NI Public Services Ombudsman. Although efforts to remove the graffiti are scheduled to commence, the trust indicated that securing a contractor for the task had proven challenging. The DUP asserted that inquiries were necessary regarding why contractors expressed being “fearful” of undertaking the removal work. During a Stormont committee meeting on Thursday, Diane Dodds of the DUP posed questions to Belfast Trust chief executive Maureen Edwards concerning the graffiti. She stated her understanding that the graffiti had been present for a period of six months. “In the interests of a health service that’s available and open and everyone is welcome to that health service, it is a bit appalling that we have waited six months to get rid of antisemitic graffiti.” She added: “There is an obvious question about why contractors would be so fearful about the removal of this graffiti which is on a main thoroughfare in the city. “I would hope that local representatives there would make clear that they would welcome the removal of this slogan and play a part in reducing any concerns that contractors might have.” The chief executive of the Belfast Trust affirmed her complete agreement. “As one of the first trusts of sanctuary, we take it very seriously,” Ms Edwards said. “We had extreme difficulty getting anyone to take the graffiti down.” The Belfast Trust, which received the trust of sanctuary award in September this year, is recognized for its “commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or origin”. She added: “We had gone out to lots of contractors who would not do it. It is being dealt with now.” “We had gone to local community groups, who supported us… but we had really difficulty in getting anyone to do it.” DUP leader Gavin Robinson, in a released statement, commented that the graffiti is “clearly upsetting” for individuals within the local Jewish community. “No one should feel fear or intimidation when accessing health care. No Health Trust should allow such messaging on their wall.” Mr. Robinson stated that an official complaint had been lodged with the trust five months prior. He added: “Everyone deserves an explanation as to why it remains, but most particularly those from our Jewish community who see as directly pointing to them.”