Healthcare leaders are increasing security in hospitals , closing GP practices early and offering to pay for workers’ taxis amid fears over more riots , The Independent has been told. The NHS is preparing to protect staff ahead of possible further violence and disruption on Wednesday evening following days of unrest across parts of the UK. One executive told The Independent their area was planning ways to separate different factions of people, such as rioters and counter-protesters, to different hospitals in order to avoid conflicts.
The plans come as lists have circulated from the far-right - alongside flame emojis and calls to “mask up” - setting out 39 potential targets including immigration centres . The Independent has seen messages from GP practices across North London and other health facilities informing staff they would close early at 5pm or 6pm to allow staff to leave in time. Several top executives speaking with this publication said their hospitals have offered to pay for staff taxis where there is a risk they will be travelling through targeted areas.
Other hospital executives said they have increased the number of security staff on site, or paired up staff who have to travel to patients in the community. One national source said some hospitals have allowed staff members to switch shifts. Health secretary Wes Streeting said on Monday that NHS staff could refuse to treat patients if they faced racist abuse from them.
His statement comes after nurses in Sunde.