LISTEN - Calls for public inquiry into allegations of abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital

By Q Radio News

Health Minister Robin Swann has confirmed he will hold an inquiry into allegations that staff abused patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital, in Antrim.

However Mr. Swann didn't say what type of inquiry it would be despite calls by relatives for a full public probe.

The hospital treats patients with severe learning difficulties and has been at the centre of a police inquiry since 2017.

It's after allegations emerged that vulnerable patients were being physically and mentally abused by staff at the facility.

Since then, it's been under investigation and a number of people have been arrested and several workers have been suspended.

Claire McKeegan is a solicitor acting on behalf of some of the families involved, and says only a full public inquiry will get the answers required:

Glynn Brown's son is a patient at Muckamore.

He hopes Robin Swann realises the hurt that has been caused to families:

Yesterday police arrested a 34 year old man in connection with the abuse investigation.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Robin Swann has been speaking to Q Radio about what action he plans to take:

Catherine Fox from west Belfast said she made complaints about the care of her daughter 29 year-old daughter Alicia who has learning disabilities, aswell as a brain tumour, to the healthcare watchdog.

She has been speaking to Q Radio about her meeting with Mr Swann and what action she believes he needs to take: