Republican group threatens to kill hospital staff

A republican group today threatened to kill staff at two Belfast hospitals.

The Catholic Reaction Force said it would kill three unnamed members of staff of each hospital with links to the security forces if they turn up for work tomorrow.

The threats, which were issued to one of the hospitals and to a Belfast newsroom, have been condemned by management and unions.

The hospitals affected are the Royal Victoria Hospital in west Belfast and the Mater Hospital in north Belfast.

In a statement, management and staff called for the threats to be lifted.

‘‘We have staff from all backgrounds and all strands of society, who steadfastly treat patients of all dominations and creeds, irrespective of background.

‘‘To have threats of violence against staff is totally unacceptable.’’

The statement urged political and community representatives to join the hospitals in repudiating the threats.

‘‘We call on the public to voice their concerns on behalf of health workers everywhere and demand that these threats be removed immediately.’’

A police spokeswoman confirmed that they were investigating the matter.

This follows the suspension of postal services in Derry over the weekend after a threat was made against a member of staff.

Workers at the sorting office in Great James Street in the city will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow to discuss the threat and whether to return to work.

The threats were condemned by Dr Joe Hendron, SDLP Assembly member for West Belfast and chairman of the Stormont Health Committee.

Mr Hendron said: ‘‘It is absolutely reprehensible that threats should be made against any workers. The management of both hospitals are correct in taking these threats seriously.

‘‘Coming after the murders of Gerard Lawlor and David Caldwell and after thousands of people came into the Belfast to protest against sectarianism, it is disgusting that such threats should be made.’’