Two nurses at Bankstown Hospital in Sydney's southwest have been stood down after making violent threats against Israeli patients in an antisemitic video, Sky News Australia reported Wednesday, as the facility simultaneously moved to delete social media content featuring pro-Palestine messaging.
"Online content related to Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital was removed today when it was learned a community member pictured was wearing clothing with political messaging," a South Western Sydney Local Health District spokesperson said.
The social media controversy emerged as the hospital dealt with a more serious incident involving two staff members. In a two-minute video posted to TikTok by a Jewish content creator, the nurses appeared in what seemed to be a hospital setting making threatening statements.
The encounter, which occurred on the video platform Chatruletka – a service that randomly connects users – quickly escalated when the male nurse suggested the Jewish creator would be killed. A female nurse then appeared on camera, making an aggressive statement about Palestine before both healthcare workers made explicit threats.
"I won't treat them, I won't treat them. I'll kill them," the female nurse said in reference to Israeli patients, according to the video. The male nurse then made claims about sending Israeli patients "to jaheem (hell)."
NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed on radio station 2GB that both nurses have been removed from their duties at Bankstown Hospital pending a full investigation.
The Medical Board of Australia's Code of Conduct affirms healthcare workers' right to personal views but requires consideration of their impact on the profession's reputation. Similarly, NSW Health's Code of Conduct prohibits staff from suggesting their personal views represent those of NSW Health when making public comments or engaging in political activities.
