"Sad chapter in the history of health care" as Swann announces public inquiry into Muckamore Abbey Hospital

By Q Radio news

A public inquiry is to be held into the alleged abuse of patients by staff at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

The announcement was made by the Health Minister Robin Swann at Stormont and follows two reports into the abuse.

A police investigation is ongoing.

Mr Swann said families and patients, both current and former, will have the opportunity to influence the terms of reference for the inquiry.

And he leveled criticism to those in charge of the hospital...

A public inquiry is to be held into alleged abuse of patients by staff at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. The announcement was made by the Health Minister Robin Swann at Stormont within the last hour. pic.twitter.com/gQPav7VYfN

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 8, 2020

And he leveled criticism at the leadership and governance of Muckamore Abbey Hospital by the Belfast Trust...

He confirmed the public inquiry will be held under the Inquiries Act 2005.

The inquiry follows two reports into the abuse at Muckamore – the serious adverse incident report and the recently-published review into the leadership and governance of Muckamore Abbey Hospital by Belfast Trust.

A major police investigation is still ongoing.

Mr Swann said: “I want to take this opportunity to once again put on record my apologies on behalf of the health and social care system to patients and families who have been let down by failure to protect patients from abuse.

“But families want more than apologies.

“They want and need and deserve answers as to why this happened and how it was allowed to happen – and I hope that the public inquiry I have announced today will give them those answers.

“I cannot find words to adequately describe the scale of this betrayal of trust, this scandal.”