Social Democratic and Labour Party Health Spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA has welcomed progress on the Public Inquiry into systemic failures at Muckamore Abbey Hospital after the Health Minister announced an inquiry chair today.

The Health Committee member said that families deserve the highest standard of investigation that can only be delivered by an independent public inquiry.

Cara Hunter MLA said:

“It has been almost four years since allegations of horrifying abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital began to emerge. In that time, victims and their families have waged an inspiring campaign for truth and justice following terrible instances of mistreatment.

“The SDLP has stood with those affected by this scandal and has supported their campaign for a full Public Inquiry that would bring the independence and authority needed to deliver the truth for victims and their families. It is also incredibly important that lessons are learned so that no vulnerable adult is ever subjected to this kind of degrading treatment again.

“I welcome today’s announcement by the Health Minister and I hope that this will see an acceleration of the inquiry process. Victims and their families have worked hard to get us to this point. Their needs must be met in the time ahead.”