Package of support needed for all those affected by Muckamore Abbey Hospital

Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said that the Department of Health and Belfast Trust should make a package of support available to the families of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital, pending the outcome of the police investigation into allegations of mistreatment.

The South Belfast MLA stated: “There is a very clear case for a public inquiry into what has happened at Muckamore over many years, but that cannot happen before the police investigation is complete. Meanwhile, families are left with unacceptable uncertainty.

“Therefore I would propose a package of services, including not just emotional support but also impartial and professional advice, should be made available to families to help them come to terms with what has happened and to enable them to take the next steps.

“We must not forget the very human cost of the issues arising, and that that cost is borne by huge numbers of people both inside and outside the facility.”