VE Day display called controversy in Royal Victoria Hospital this week
Staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital have been reminded by management of their “obligation to foster a harmonious environment” after an unauthorised VE Day exhibit was displayed within one of the wards.
The arrangement consisted of a Union flag draped over a small hospital trolley, as well as newspaper clippings, balloons and historic photographs attached to the wall behind it.
It appeared in ward 5E this week, which is a unit that cares for the elderly, including patients with dementia.
The Andersonstown News first reported that ‘it was put there by a member of staff acting without clearance from management’.
When asked about the incident, a spokesperson for the trust said: “Belfast Trust staff became aware of a display in an area of the Royal Victoria Hospital.
“This was removed and all staff will be reminded of their obligation to foster a harmonious environment for all patients staff and service users.”
VE Day is celebrated annually to remember the formal end of the Second World War on May 8, 1945, which saw the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces.
Thursday was the 80th anniversary of ‘Victory in Europe’.
Events have been taking place across Northern Ireland this week to mark the occasion.
A full-scale replica of a Second World War Spitfire was on show at the Stormont Parliament Buildings, and street parties, historical talks, parades and prayer services also took place throughout the region.
VE Day display called controversy in Royal Victoria Hospital this week
Watch: East Belfast Celebrates VE Day
Belfast City Hall was lit up red on Wednesday night, and again on Thursday, and Stormont was lit in blue on Thursday night.
A two-minutes silence was held at midday on May 8, and beacons were lit to represent symbols of hope on a day that commemorated the celebrations held, when war ended 80 years ago.