The trust had received a complaint in January 2022 saying the plaque was “causing offence” and asking for it to be removed, according to the emails.
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) health spokesperson Colin McGrath described the idea of staff being disciplined over the matter as “outrageous”.
The Stormont assembly member said that “if anything, they’ve done the trust a favour by removing the reference”.
“Either back your staff or back a commemorative display for Prince Andrew. I know which side I would be on,” he added.
People Before Profit (PBP) assembly member Gerry Carroll said the hospital should not have a plaque bearing Prince Andrew’s name.
“I have no doubt that workers and the general public would be aghast to find out that this existed.
“Workers in the hospital shouldn’t be reprimanded for stating their opposition to this.”
