Muckamore Abbey Hospital: Patient’s father insists only public inquiry will uncover full extent of scandal

He was speaking after he and a number of other relatives of patients met with senior staff from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, which runs the facility near Antrim, earlier this week.

A review into the hospital’s treatment of vulnerable patients, many with severe learning disabilities and challenging mental health needs, found catastrophic failings and evidence of ill-treatment.

Nineteen healthcare staff remain suspended, and police investigations are continuing into allegations of abuse at the hospital.

It is understood PSNI officers are reviewing 240,000 hours of CCTV footage as part of their investigation.

The Belfast man, who did not want to be named, was among dozens of concerned family members who met with senior Belfast Health Trust officials on Monday night to discuss the situation at the hospital.