Northern Ireland hospital staff face prosecution over alleged abuse

Seven staff at Muckamore Abbey psychiatric hospital will be charged with alleged ill-treatment and wilful neglect

Authorities in Northern Ireland are to prosecute seven people over the alleged abuse of patients at a psychiatric hospital. It is understood they are staff members of the psychiatric intensive care unit at Muckamore Abbey hospital, a facility outside Belfast in County Antrim.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said on Friday the seven people will be charged with offences including alleged ill-treatment and wilful neglect of patients contrary to the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.