More than 1,500 crimes identified in a single ward at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in County Antrim

By Q Radio News

More than 1,500 crimes have been identified in a single ward at the troubled Muckamore Abbey Hospital in County Antrim. 

A major investigation was launched earlier this year after the Irish News revealed allegations of mistreatment against patients.

The PSNI is trawling through around 300,000 hours of CCTV footage from Muckamore since the scandal broke around a year ago. 

It's now one of the biggest investigations of it's kind looking at physical and mental abuse of vulnerable adults. 

In an exclusive interview with the paper, detectives say they're reaching a crucial point in the probe, and that criminal interviews are imminent. 

To date 20 members of staff, mostly made up of nurses, have been suspended from Muckamore by the Belfast health trust. 

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Duffie from the PSNI Public Protection Branch said: “The investigation into the allegations of ill-treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey hospital has been and continues to be an extremely complex investigation that involves just over 400 incidents.

“We are working through every single report and every single minute of over 300,000 hours of CCTV footage to bring anyone guilty of any criminal offences before the courts. This will take some time but we need to take that time to ensure we carry out a thorough investigation.

“A specialist team was set up a year ago to investigate the allegations and review the CCTV footage and to date this footage has identified 1500 crimes which largely relates to the physical abuse of patients, wilful neglect of patients and inappropriate use of seclusion. We will continue to work through the CCTV diligently minute by minute to ensure nothing is missed and that we get a full picture of what exactly happened."

“I am very conscious of the trauma and impact upon the families whose loved ones are at the centre of this investigation.  From the outset we have been committed to working closely with them, with the aim of keeping them as informed as much as we possibly can and we will continue to do so.  The protection of our most vulnerable is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”