Two nurses from Bankstown Hospital, Ahmad “Rashad” Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, sparked outrage after a conversation recorded on the platform Chatruletka revealed them discussing harming Israeli patients. In response to the situation, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed that the nurses had been stood down pending investigation, asserting that they would never work in NSW hospitals again under his watch. He branded their comments as “vile” and highlighted the distress caused within the Jewish community.
Park pledged to address the breach of trust in the healthcare system, noting the need to investigate any adverse impacts the nurses may have had on patient care. The minister acknowledged the overwhelming majority of healthcare workers who provide excellent care, while emphasising the necessity to tackle any cultural issues within hospitals.
Nadir has since issued a public apology, conveyed through his lawyer, who described him as “very emotional” and seeking to make amends. The investigation remains ongoing, with police involvement over the incident, as health authorities work to restore confidence in NSW’s healthcare services.