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Two more staff suspended from Co Antrim hospital amid police probe into 'ill treatment' of patients

A total of six staff has been suspended from Muckamore Abbey Hospital
A total of six staff has been suspended from Muckamore Abbey Hospital A total of six staff has been suspended from Muckamore Abbey Hospital

TWO further members of staff at a Co Antrim hospital have been suspended following allegations of abuse against vulnerable patients - bringing the total number being investigated to six.

The Irish News has learned the latest probes were ordered by the Belfast health trust just a week after it revealed a major joint investigation with police into practices at Muckamore Abbey Hospital was taking place.

The trust confirmed 10 days ago that four workers had been suspended.

The hospital is an inpatient facility which treats mentally ill adults and those with an intellectual disability from across Northern Ireland.

The investigation has been going on for several months and relates to a number of wards. It is understood there may be CCTV footage relating to the allegations, which may be physical in nature.

In a statement released last night, the trust said it "takes all safeguarding concerns seriously".

"A number of issues have been brought to the attention of the trust which are now under active investigation. The trust has placed two staff under a precautionary exclusion from work to safeguard service users and the staff themselves whilst this investigation is completed. Patient safety is the trust's priority and we encourage all staff to report any concerns either current or past at their earliest opportunity.

"Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation we are unable to comment any further at this stage."

Detective chief inspector Tracey Mageean confirmed that earlier this month that police were jointly working with the trust "regarding a number of allegations into ill treatment of patients".

"This is a live investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment any further. The safeguarding of any vulnerable victim is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland," she added.