Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has expressed her best wishes to the patients and families involved in the inquiry into allegations of abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. 

Public hearings begin today (Monday) into allegations of abuse against patients. It follows the passage of an Alliance Assembly motion in September 2020, tabled by South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw. 

“I want to send my best wishes to the patients and their families today on the first day of the public inquiry into alleged abuse in Muckamore Abbey Hospital,” she said.  

“The public inquiry is long overdue and its establishment was hard fought by those who were impacted by their treatment at the hospital and their loved ones. Let us hope this process provides the truth, transparency and accountability lacking up until now. 

“We need answers on the appallingly poor governance, including why complaints went unanswered and why the use of an unmonitored ‘seclusion room’ was allowed. We must ensure those in the care of our health and social care system are never again subjected to such apparent failures.”