Health and Wellbeing Cabinet Secretary Nicola Sturgeon today paid tribute to the “resilience and professionalism” of NHS staff during a visit to the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley.

Following her private visit Sturgeon said that she wished to express her particular thanks to staff at the RAH for the way they continued to care for patients and provide vital lifeline services in the wake of Saturday’s incident at Glasgow Airport. She also praised the ambulance service staff who had attended the incident for their “quick, efficient and brave response.” 

She continued: "NHS staff work under constant pressure, but the serious events of last weekend have put an additional pressure on staff which they have dealt with tremendously.  I have been very impressed by the determination and commitment they have shown in continuing to deliver services, and I am delighted to pay tribute [to] the staff personally this morning." 

Sturgeon also wrote an open letter to all NHS Scotland staff in which she again paid tribute to all those who “worked so hard in the aftermath of last week’s incidents.” She wrote: "The recent incident at Glasgow Airport and the subsequent speculation that a number of those involved were NHS employees has shocked us all. 

"I would particularly like to pay tribute to those of you who worked so hard in the aftermath of last week's incidents, not just in dealing with the Airport incident itself but in the sterling support provided to get people home or provide shelter on Saturday night. 

"Healthcare is a global profession and Scotland has a proud record in attracting skilled staff from around the world.  Health professionals from overseas make a significant contribution by using their skills and experience to help improve the health and wellbeing of everyone using the NHS in Scotland.  We should not lose sight of that.”

Sturgeon also said that it was important that staff and patients are made to feel that they are in a safe and secure environment and as such said that continued vigilance was “essential”. She continued: "As you will be aware, the NHS and police are working in close collaboration to support the investigation of the incidents.  Vigilance remains essential for all of us - in the workplace as well as in public.  Please continue to follow police advice and report anything suspicious.  

"That said, we need to ensure that staff and patients are made to feel that they are in a safe and secure environment.  I would urge you to continue to make sure that no individual or group is victimised or left to feel vulnerable and unsupported and that any inappropriate or discriminatory behaviours are challenged.  All members of staff have a right to be treated fairly."