Muckamore Abbey Hospital, run by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, has long cared for adults with severe learning disabilities and mental health needs and has been at the center of the UK’s largest police investigation into alleged abuse of vulnerable adults, with prosecutions ongoing.

Located in County Antrim, Muckamore Abbey has faced a major police investigation and ongoing prosecutions over alleged abuse at the facility.

The public inquiry into abuse at Muckamore Abbey began hearing evidence in June 2022, having already heard from 181 witnesses and reviewed 333 statements.

The inquiry, set up by former health minister Robin Swann, examined allegations at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust facility and its handling of residents with severe learning disabilities and mental health needs.

Muckamore Abbey opened in 1949 and was originally slated to close in June 2024, a plan delayed because some patients had not yet secured alternative accommodation.

The final inquiry report is expected to be submitted to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, detailing findings and recommendations.

Chairman Tom Kark KC described it as highly unusual for a public inquiry to run concurrently with a police investigation and criminal trials, prompting the MoU with police and the Public Prosecution Service to avoid interference.

A memorandum of understanding with the police and the Public Prosecution Service NI was established to ensure the inquiry would not interfere with ongoing criminal proceedings.

Glynn Brown, whose son Aaron was a patient, attended the inquiry and highlighted long-standing concerns raised by families and advocacy groups such as the Society of Parents and Friends of Muckamore Abbey and Action For Muckamore.

The Northern Ireland Public Inquiry into abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital is set to publish its findings, detailing alleged abuse of vulnerable patients.