The North Belfast MLA was speaking after the report into the abuse of vulnerable adults at Muckamore Abbey Hospital was published today (18 June), confirming that patients were abused and systematically bullied.

Ms McAllister said: “Today marks the end of one journey for the families and loved ones of those who were abused at Muckamore Abbey. They have fought hard for the truth we have now finally heard.

“The findings of the report are deeply disturbing, but I hope today brings the transparency and accountability they have long deserved. However, it is crucial that action is taken quickly in response.

“The gross acts of maltreatment on some of the most vulnerable people in our society, including neglect, patients being left ‘zombified’ and outright physical abuse, mark a truly shameful moment in our history.

“The report makes clear that the Belfast Trust took an ‘adversarial’ and ‘confrontational’ approach during this Inquiry – if real change is to be made and confidence restored, the Trust must take accountability in its role in this scandal and show real commitment to improvement going forward.

“Alliance has long called for a statutory duty of candour. Openness is a key fact of our health service, for patients and staff alike. Only a statutory obligation with criminal sections can ensure that and mean those in the care of the system are never again subject to such failure.”