A protest by some of our staff will take place at Queen’s Hospital on Friday (21 January). 

It is being organised by colleagues who are opposed to the Government’s decision to introduce mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for healthcare workers. From April 1, all NHS staff who are covered by the new legislation must have had the vaccine (doses 1 and 2). Our Trust has no discretion over the implementation of the regulations and the Government has made clear it intends to enforce the law. 

Friday’s event has been advertised on social media. The organisers and the Trust accept that it may attract other demonstrators who want to protest against the Government’s vaccination policy and who may wish to take a more direct approach during the day.  Should that occur we are working closely with all the relevant organisations, including the police, to ensure the protest remains peaceful and doesn’t interfere with the running of the hospital. 

Our Chief Executive, Matthew Trainer, said: “I understand the concerns some NHS workers have about mandatory vaccines. We are approaching all our unvaccinated staff with compassion and respect. 

“The vast majority of my colleagues have been vaccinated. I want this to be the case for all staff, as not doing so puts you at greater risk of serious illness and death. 

“We are working with individuals to listen to their worries, address their concerns and encourage them to choose to have the vaccine.”