A video released by Israeli content creator Max Veifer has sparked outrage, showing two nurses from Bankstown Hospital in New South Wales expressing anti-Israeli sentiments and threatening harm to Israeli patients. The nurses were immediately stood down following the video's publication, as the incident drew widespread condemnation from various officials and prompted an investigation.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke were among those who publicly denounced the footage. The New South Wales Health Secretary, Susan Pearce, appeared visibly emotional during a press conference addressing the incident. She emphasized that there was no evidence supporting the nurses' claims regarding their treatment of Israeli patients. New South Wales Police and the NSW Healthcare Complaints Commission are currently investigating the matter.
Health Minister Ryan Park condemned the behavior, describing it as "vile, disgusting and appalling." He assured the Jewish community of the continued quality of care in NSW hospitals and confirmed that the nurses would not return to work in the state's health system pending the investigation.
“nurses have a board and a clinical standard that they are registered to. So firstly, that is obviously being completely breached.” – Ryan Park
The video features troubling statements from the individuals involved, including threats to refuse treatment and harm Israeli patients. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, labeled the footage as "sickening and shameful." Meanwhile, shadow ministers Anne Ruston and James Patterson issued a joint statement condemning the video.
“issues around hate speech, vile offensive behaviour towards people based on their particular faith, and obviously through the investigation, there could be a range of other issues around their individual responsibilities as New South Wales Health employees.” – Ryan Park
Susan Pearce extended her apologies to the Jewish community, expressing disbelief at the situation.
“never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be standing here with two staff of the New South Wales health system having said such horrendous feelings about our community, and particularly to our Jewish community, I offer my sincere apologies.” – Susan Pearce
Minister Park reiterated that the actions of these individuals violate the core values of the hospital and health system.
“Obviously, investigative process now takes place. I don’t want to leave a sliver, a sliver of light to allow any of them to be able to think that they will ever work for New South Wales Health again,” – Ryan Park
“the care that you get in our hospitals will continue to be first class.” – Ryan Park
The incident has been labeled a breach of standards by various authorities, highlighting that such perspectives have no place in healthcare settings.
“There is no place in our hospital and health system for this sort of view to ever, ever take place,” – Ryan Park
“There is no place for this sort of perspective in our society, but hospitals are different in the fact that every single Australian and every single resident of this state should be able to go to their local hospital when they need care and attention and get high quality care that is safe and effective.” – Ryan Park
The investigation seeks to ensure that no adverse outcomes have resulted from these nurses' behavior, aiming to uphold the integrity of healthcare services.
“What we will now do through those agencies… conduct that thorough investigation to make sure, there are no adverse outcomes as a result of their behaviour,” – Ryan Park