Paula Bradshaw MLA, Alliance Party Health Spokesperson, has welcomed the appointment of Mr Tom Kark QC as chair of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry.

Speaking after the announcement was made she said: “I hope that the families impacted by the allegations of gross acts of maltreatment on very vulnerable patients will welcome this appointment today of Mr Tom Kark QC.

“They have waited long enough to have a bright light shone on what exactly has happened to their loved ones. While the Review into the Leadership and Governance of Muckamore Abbey Hospital of 2020 was useful, it had limitations in terms of getting to the finer details.

“It is important now that the families are provided with regular communication and, going forward, that we restore public confidence in the whole care system.”