Eastern Hospital Staff Rally Over 'police Excess'

About a hundred medical staff in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital rallied on Monday morning, holding slogans and signs to protest against what they called "violent acts of police officers" against some anti-extradition bill protesters.

Some of the hospital staff covered their right eye with gauze, to highlight their concern over the girl who was shot in the eye by police in Tsim Sha Tsui on Sunday.

A nurse, surnamed Chan, who held up a banner that said “Hong Kong police attempt to murder Hong Kong citizens”, said the officers' actions were a clear abuse of power.

"Even though the protesters may have broken some law, it doesn't mean police force should do such criminal acts and we are so angry. All of us are angry," said Chan.

An occupational therapist, who gave his name as Lam, was also angry at the police action. He recalled the eye injury to a woman protester which he said was caused by police firing. "These are clear violations of human rights and Hong Kong police should stop this immediately," he said.

Despite their strong opinions, their attitude to patients will remain professional, said a doctor named Tsang.

"When I wear my white coat, my responsibility is towards my patient," said Tsang. "Their subjective world would be my objective world."

"They would be my first priority when I am working as a doctor. After work, I am just a human being. I am a Hong Kong citizen as well and I think that should be respected," she said.