Muckamore inquiry: Former psychiatrist ‘horrified’ by allegations

When asked by a member of the inquiry panel whether he was surprised that he didn’t pick up on the alleged mistreatment of some of his patients, he said: “Yes, it shocks me.”

Dr Milliken was asked how it could have been the case that allegations did not filter through to him.

He told the panel: “That’s obviously something, Mr Chairman, I’ve reflected at length about, and I’m not sure that I can answer that.”

He said he was not on the relevant ward all the time.

Dr Milliken said as clinical director he had responsibility for doctors but not for other staff such as nurses or healthcare assistants.

Dr Milliken held the post of clinical director between 2005 and 2018.

Muckamore Abbey Hospital is run by the Belfast Health Trust and provides facilities for adults with special needs.

The inquiry is examining allegations of abuse at the hospital outside Antrim.

A major police investigation began in 2017 after allegations of ill-treatment began to emerge.