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Probe into Muckamore abuse claims Meeting over patient abuse claims
(about 2 hours later)
Alleged sex abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital more than 25 years ago is being investigated by police and health officials, it has emerged. Parents of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital are meeting with staff over allegations that patients were sexually abused there more than 25 years ago.
The Belfast Telegraph has uncovered allegations that patients, both adults and children, were involved in and were victims of sex abuse from 1960 to 1982.The Belfast Telegraph has uncovered allegations that patients, both adults and children, were involved in and were victims of sex abuse from 1960 to 1982.
It is understood inquiries began after a former patient said he was abused by an older male patient in the 1970s.It is understood inquiries began after a former patient said he was abused by an older male patient in the 1970s.
The hospital near Antrim looks after people with learning disabilities.The hospital near Antrim looks after people with learning disabilities.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was conducting an investigation into "allegations of inappropriate behaviour between patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital more than 20 years ago".The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was conducting an investigation into "allegations of inappropriate behaviour between patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital more than 20 years ago".
The investigation, by members of the police Care (Child Abuse and Rape Enquiry) unit, was started when the PSNI was contacted by the North and West Belfast Trust and Eastern Health and Social Services Board.The investigation, by members of the police Care (Child Abuse and Rape Enquiry) unit, was started when the PSNI was contacted by the North and West Belfast Trust and Eastern Health and Social Services Board.
"Police inquiries into this difficult and sensitive case will be progressed as fully and quickly as possible.""Police inquiries into this difficult and sensitive case will be progressed as fully and quickly as possible."
A recent BBC investigation disclosed that more than 100 adults and 17 children with learning disabilities were living in hospital unneccesarily.A recent BBC investigation disclosed that more than 100 adults and 17 children with learning disabilities were living in hospital unneccesarily.
It found people with severe learning disabilities were being kept in hospital as there was no money to care for them in the community.It found people with severe learning disabilities were being kept in hospital as there was no money to care for them in the community.
The revelations prompted Health Minister Paul Goggins to announce a £3m action plan, promising that no child with a learning disability would be living in hospital in two years' time.The revelations prompted Health Minister Paul Goggins to announce a £3m action plan, promising that no child with a learning disability would be living in hospital in two years' time.