Former Muckamore Patient Subjected to Abuse in New Facility, Committee Told
Campaigners warn that safeguarding failures persist years after Muckamore scandal
A vulnerable patient who had been resettled from the now‑infamous Muckamore Abbey Hospital was subjected to ill‑treatment at a different care facility in recent months, campaigners told Northern Ireland’s Health Committee this week — highlighting ongoing failures in the protection of adults with disabilities. �
AOL
Advocates say the incident exposes deep‑seated problems in how safeguarding complaints are handled and underscore the urgency of strengthening proposed legislation aimed at protecting at‑risk adults. �
AOL
From One Scandal to Another: Abuse Allegations Revealed
Members of Action for Muckamore, a campaign group representing families affected by abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in County Antrim, presented evidence on Thursday to the Stormont Health Committee. They described how a former resident — whose identity has been kept private at the request of their family — reported being mistreated after being resettled in another facility. �
AOL
According to Glynn Brown, spokesperson for Action for Muckamore, the patient’s family repeatedly raised concerns with management at the new facility, but their complaints were dismissed as unfounded and the family was labelled “a problem family.” �
AOL
Only when CCTV footage was later reviewed — after repeated pleas from the family — did the true extent of the abuse come to light. The footage prompted the dismissal of 12 staff members and the prosecution of one individual connected with the facility. �
AOL
Families Not Believed, Advocates Say
Brown told assembly members that the patient initially communicated the abuse to their parents only after some time — a delay partly caused by communication barriers and the family’s earlier concerns being ignored by facility managers. �
AOL
“It was treated by management as a load of rubbish,” Brown said, describing how initial reports of mistreatment were dismissed and undermined. “They said the family were a problem and staff were ‘super’.” �
AOL
Action for Muckamore emphasised that this was not an isolated incident but symptomatic of broader systemic problems in adult care settings across Northern Ireland. Evidence presented to the committee was described by its chair, Philip McGuigan MLA, as “particularly harrowing.” �
AOL
Calls for Stronger Adult Protection Law
The case was submitted to the committee as part of ongoing scrutiny of the Adult Protection Bill, new legislation intended to better safeguard vulnerable adults from harm. However, campaigners argued the bill needs to be significantly strengthened in four key areas:
Mandatory use and oversight of CCTV in care settings.
Cultural changes in care facilities, ensuring families and whistleblowers are taken seriously.
Independent advocacy and support services for patients and families.
Improved training, investigation protocols, and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding policies. �
AOL
Brown stressed that the core problem was not a lack of policy but a lack of enforcement, oversight and accountability. He called for statutory oversight of the safeguarding process — a role currently not assigned to the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). �
AOL
Campaigner Catherine Fox added that unless the bill enshrines cultural change in law — not just written policy — the same harmful behaviours are likely to continue. “Poor culture cannot survive if it is properly addressed in this bill,” she told the committee. �
AOL
The Long Shadow of the Muckamore Scandal
The latest incident comes eight years after the original Muckamore Abbey Hospital scandal first broke. That investigation exposed widespread abuse of adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs — including physical and psychological mistreatment — and led to a lengthy public inquiry and multiple prosecutions. �
The Irish News
Muckamore Abbey Hospital has been the subject of the largest police investigation of its kind in the UK, with dozens of staff charged and many more under scrutiny for alleged offences. � The public inquiry, which ran from 2022 until March 2025, is expected to deliver its final report later this year. �
The Irish News
The Irish News
The hospital’s closure — originally planned for mid‑2024 — was delayed due to a lack of suitable community placements for all remaining patients. �
The Irish News
Families and advocates have long argued that the abuse at Muckamore was enabled by a culture in which concerns were ignored, complaints were dismissed, and staff behaviour went unchallenged — a culture they now see mirrored in other facilities. �
The Irish News
Safeguarding Gaps Still Hurting Vulnerable Adults
Data from the Department of Health shows that referrals for vulnerable or “at‑risk” adults in Northern Ireland have nearly doubled over the past five years, but that fewer of these referrals lead to formal investigations — raising concerns about systemic gaps in protective processes. �
The Irish News
Campaigners say that unless the Adult Protection Bill mandates stronger oversight, accountability and reporting mechanisms, more vulnerable adults will continue to suffer harm in settings meant to care for them.
Catherine Fox stressed that healthy safeguarding culture shouldn’t be seen just as an abstract ideal but as “how people behave when things go wrong.” Those behaviours, she said, must be embedded in law if future harm is to be prevented. �
The Irish News
A Chance for Lasting Change
The latest revelation of abuse following resettlement has put renewed pressure on Stormont politicians to act decisively on the Adult Protection Bill.
For families affected by Muckamore and other care settings, the issue isn’t just about past failures — it’s about preventing fresh ones in future. As one advocate told the committee, unless safeguarding laws are strengthened and fully enforced, “the same mistakes will be repeated.” �
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Ayesha Lashari and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
Three Lives Lost at Iconic Waterfall Beauty Spot: Safety Warning Issued as Inquest Raises Alarm
Ystradfellte, Wales — A serene and scenic waterfall site in south Wales known widely as Waterfall Country has become the focus of intense scrutiny after three visitors lost their lives there in separate incidents over the past 18 months. The tragedies have prompted a senior coroner to issue a warning about safety at this popular beauty spot and call for urgent improvements to reduce future fatalities. �
By Ayesha Lashariabout 20 hours ago in The Swamp
China Turns Fragile Reefs into Concrete Fortresses and the World Lets It Happen
In the South China Sea, a region fraught with geopolitical tensions and strategic importance, China has embarked on an unprecedented campaign of transformation. Over the past decade, the country has turned fragile coral reefs and low-lying atolls into massive, fortified islands, complete with runways, military facilities, and concrete structures that would seem more at home in a bustling metropolis than in an ecologically sensitive marine ecosystem. While this ambitious engineering feat has drawn widespread attention, the world has largely allowed it to unfold with minimal intervention. The transformation of these reefs into concrete fortresses is a testament to China’s capabilities in large-scale land reclamation. Using a combination of dredging, sand dumping, and heavy construction, China has expanded the surface area of natural formations, creating islands capable of supporting military installations, airstrips, and harbors. Satellite imagery over the years has revealed a stark contrast between the natural reefs and the artificial islands now dominating the waters, highlighting the scope and scale of the operation. One of the most remarkable aspects of this process is the sheer speed at which it has occurred. Some reefs that were mere specks above sea level a decade ago now host multi-story buildings, radar facilities, and missile sites. These developments have given China a strategic advantage, allowing it to extend its reach across the South China Sea and control vital shipping lanes, which carry a significant portion of the world’s trade. The artificial islands also serve as a deterrent, projecting power and influencing the behavior of neighboring countries. Yet, this strategic triumph comes at a severe environmental cost. Coral reefs, long considered the “rainforests of the sea,” are delicate ecosystems that support thousands of marine species. The dredging and construction processes have destroyed vast areas of reef, disrupted fish populations, and altered water currents. Marine biologists warn that the ecological damage is likely irreversible, with implications not just for biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fishing and tourism. The international response has been muted, despite widespread condemnation from environmental groups and concerned nations. Part of the challenge lies in the legal framework governing the South China Sea. While the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets out rules for territorial waters and exclusive economic zones, enforcement is weak, and China’s actions often exploit legal ambiguities. Attempts by other countries to challenge the reclamation and militarization of these islands have largely failed, leaving the status quo intact. Geopolitically, the world’s reluctance to intervene reflects a combination of caution and pragmatism. China is a global economic powerhouse, and many nations are hesitant to risk confrontation over a maritime dispute. Diplomatic efforts have mostly focused on negotiations and freedom-of-navigation patrols rather than direct interference. Meanwhile, the artificial islands have become symbols of China’s growing assertiveness, testing the resolve of neighboring countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, who also claim parts of the contested waters. The militarization of these reclaimed islands adds another layer of concern. Some installations are equipped with radar systems capable of monitoring air and maritime traffic across the region. Others host missile batteries that can target ships and aircraft hundreds of kilometers away. These fortresses not only enhance China’s defensive posture but also complicate the strategic calculus for the United States and its allies, who conduct naval operations and patrols in the South China Sea. Despite the warnings, China shows no signs of slowing down. Plans are reportedly underway to expand existing islands and even construct new ones, solidifying its hold on the region. This situation presents a broader question for the international community: how should the world respond when engineering marvels clash with environmental preservation and global security norms? Environmentalists argue that immediate action is necessary to protect remaining reefs, enforce stricter regulations on land reclamation, and hold countries accountable for ecological destruction. Policymakers, on the other hand, are caught between the imperatives of maintaining peace, upholding international law, and addressing environmental crises. The South China Sea, therefore, has become a microcosm of global challenges—where ambition, national interest, and ecological responsibility collide. China’s creation of concrete fortresses from fragile reefs represents a bold combination of ingenuity and assertiveness. But the world’s muted response raises questions about the balance between strategic interests and environmental stewardship. Unless the international community develops new mechanisms to address such transformations, the South China Sea may serve as a warning of what happens when ambition overshadows accountability. The reefs that once teemed with life now stand as stark monuments to human determination, but also as cautionary tales. The consequences of these actions extend far beyond territorial control—they touch on global environmental health, regional stability, and the rules that govern shared spaces in an interconnected world.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi6 days ago in The Swamp
Greenland’s Strategic Position in Seven Maps: Why Trump Wants the Island
When Donald Trump first suggested buying Greenland, the world laughed. Memes spread faster than Arctic winds, and Denmark firmly rejected the idea. But beneath the headlines and humor lies a serious geopolitical reality: Greenland is one of the most strategically valuable pieces of land on Earth. Far from being just a frozen wilderness, Greenland sits at the crossroads of global security, emerging trade routes, military defense systems, and untapped natural resources. When you look at Greenland through a series of strategic maps, Trump’s interest — and America’s long-term focus — begins to make sense. Let’s explore seven maps that explain why Greenland matters and why Trump wants the island. 1. Greenland on the World Map: A Strategic Crossroads On a global map, Greenland dominates the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. Located between North America and Europe, it occupies a prime position along the shortest routes between major global powers. For military planners, geography is everything. Any aircraft, missile, or satellite traveling between Russia, Europe, and the United States often passes over or near Greenland. This makes the island a natural surveillance and defense hub — one the U.S. has relied on since World War II. Greenland isn’t remote; it’s central. 2. The GIUK Gap: NATO’s Northern Gateway Zoom into the North Atlantic, and another critical map emerges: the GIUK Gap — the maritime corridor between Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. During the Cold War, this gap was vital for tracking Soviet submarines moving from Arctic bases into the Atlantic. Today, with Russia once again expanding its Arctic military presence, the GIUK Gap has regained strategic importance. Control or influence over Greenland strengthens NATO’s ability to monitor naval movements, protect shipping lanes, and deter adversaries — a major reason Washington continues to prioritize the region. 3. Arctic Shipping Routes: The Ice Is Melting A map of the Arctic today looks very different than it did 50 years ago. Climate change is opening new sea lanes, including the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route, dramatically shortening travel between Asia, Europe, and North America. Greenland sits right beside these emerging trade routes. As Arctic shipping becomes more viable, ports, refueling stations, and monitoring points near Greenland will become economically and strategically valuable. Any nation with influence over Greenland gains leverage in future global trade — a fact not lost on the U.S., Russia, or China. 4. Beneath the Ice: Greenland’s Resource Wealth Another map reveals what lies under Greenland’s ice: rare earth minerals, uranium, copper, gold, and possibly oil and gas. Rare earth elements are essential for modern technology — from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced military hardware. Currently, China dominates the global supply. Greenland offers a potential alternative source, making it strategically important for countries looking to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. As ice recedes, access to these resources becomes easier — turning Greenland into an economic prize as well as a strategic one. 5. Military Maps: The Importance of Pituffik Space Base One of the most critical maps highlights Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), the northernmost U.S. military installation. This base plays a key role in: Missile early-warning systems Space surveillance Ballistic missile defense From Greenland, the U.S. can detect potential missile launches from across the Arctic faster than from anywhere else. Trump has publicly linked Greenland’s importance to future missile defense plans, framing the island as essential to protecting the U.S. homeland. This isn’t speculative — it’s operational reality. 6. Arctic Power Competition: Russia and China A geopolitical map of the Arctic shows increasing activity from Russia and China. Russia has reopened Cold War-era bases, deployed advanced weapons, and expanded its Arctic infrastructure. China, calling itself a “near-Arctic state,” has invested heavily in Arctic research, mining, and shipping projects. Greenland sits between these ambitions. For the United States, maintaining influence over Greenland helps counter rivals in a region that is rapidly becoming a new arena for global power competition. 7. Political Boundaries: Greenland Isn’t for Sale The final map is political rather than military. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own parliament and growing push for independence. While Denmark handles defense and foreign policy, Greenlanders strongly oppose being “sold” to another country. Trump’s proposal sparked debate not just about geopolitics, but about sovereignty and self-determination. Greenland’s leaders made one thing clear: the island’s future belongs to its people. So, Why Does Trump Want Greenland? When these seven maps are viewed together, Trump’s interest becomes less shocking and more strategic. Greenland offers: A military advantage in missile defense and surveillance Control near critical Arctic shipping routes Access to valuable natural resources A strategic foothold in rising Arctic competition Greater influence over NATO’s northern defenses Trump’s blunt approach may have grabbed headlines, but the underlying logic reflects long-standing U.S. strategic thinking. Final Thoughts Greenland is no longer just an icy landmass at the top of the map. It is a strategic chess piece in a changing world — shaped by climate change, technological demand, and renewed great-power rivalry. Whether or not Greenland ever changes hands, one thing is certain: the world’s attention is now firmly fixed on the Arctic, and Greenland sits right at its center.
By Aqib Hussain2 days ago in The Swamp
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.