Inquiry into abuse at Muckamore to publish findings

A public inquiry examining allegations of abuse against vulnerable patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital is scheduled to release its report today. The hospital, located in Co Antrim and run by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, has been the center of the UK's largest-ever police investigation into the alleged abuse of vulnerable adults.

Muckamore Abbey Hospital provided care for adults with severe learning disabilities and mental health needs. The inquiry was established by former health minister Robin Swann and commenced hearing witness evidence in June 2022. During its proceedings, the inquiry heard oral testimony from 181 witnesses and reviewed 333 statements.

Glynn Brown, whose son Aaron was a patient at the facility and who had previously raised concerns, was among those who attended the inquiry. Various groups, including the Society of Parents and Friends of Muckamore Abbey and Action For Muckamore, along with the Belfast Health Trust, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, and the police, submitted statements to the inquiry.

Chairman Tom Kark KC noted the unusual circumstance of a public inquiry running concurrently with a major police investigation and criminal trial proceedings. A memorandum of understanding was established with the police and the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland to prevent interference with the criminal proceedings.

The inquiry is expected to submit its final report to Northern Ireland's Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. The hospital, which opened in 1949, was slated for closure in June 2024, but this was postponed due to difficulties in finding alternative accommodation for some patients.

“

It was 'highly unusual' for a public inquiry to take place simultaneously with a large police investigation and criminal trial proceedings.