Muckamore: Abuse inquiry to hear opening statements
The Health Minister called a statutory inquiry into abuse at the County Antrim facility in 2020 after serious allegations of mistreatment of patients.
A statutory inquiry into abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital today (Monday) reaches the opening statement stage.
The inquiry into an “abject failure of care” was launched by the Health Minister in September 2020 after a torrent of allegations about severe mistreatment taking place within the County Antrim facility for adults with severe disabilities and complicated needs.
The inquiry’s aim is “to determine why the abuse happened and the range of circumstances that allowed it to happen”, and to “ensure that such abuse does not occur again” there, or anywhere else providing similar services.
Police investigations are also ongoing in tandem, with 34 arrests having been made to date after the PSNI reviewed hours of CCTV footage.
Health Minister Robin Swann has reiterated his public apology and hopes that the inquiry chaired by Tom Kark QC provides answers for families.
“I have no doubt that the inquiry proceedings will be a harrowing experience for all those affected by the abject failure of care at Muckamore,” he said.
“It will also be deeply distressing for everyone who works in health and social care in Northern Ireland.
“I believe it is appropriate today for me to publicly reiterate my previous apology on behalf of the Health and Social Care system to all the patients and families who have been so badly let down.
“As I stated in September 2020 when I announced my intention to establish an inquiry, patients and families need more than apologies. They deserve the truth on what has happened and how it was allowed to happen. I trust that this public inquiry will provide the answers that are required.”
Phoenix Law solicitor Claire McKeegan represents some 30 patients past and present, and has welcomed the inquiry after “unconscionable” abuse.