Findings from Muckamore and Urology Inquiries demand clear and robust response

Date published: 30 June 2026

Both reports set out serious and in places deeply disturbing failings in care, which highlight breakdowns in systems, in oversight and culture, the Minister added. 

He was addressing a summit of senior HSC leaders, including the chief executives and chairs of Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Trusts and the Public Health Agency, and other Arm’s Length Bodies and stakeholders. 

Mr Nesbitt said he expected that implementation of the recommendations from the inquiries would be progressed with pace, energy and commitment.

I have asked you here today to speak to you directly as the most senior leaders in our system responsible for ensuring delivery and oversight of safe, effective and high-quality care in the Health and Social Care system,” the Minister said. 

Both reports set out serious and in places deeply disturbing failings in care. Taken together, they present a picture that is wholly unacceptable. They amount to a stark and sobering indictment of failures in care, in culture, in ignoring warnings, especially from family members, and in accountability. A failure to be curious and a failure to listen.”

The Minister offered an unreserved apology to the patients, service users and families at the centre of the two public inquiries for the harm, distress and loss that they have experienced. He said the experiences had rocked public confidence in the Health & Social Care system. 

Behind every inquiry are individuals and families who trusted our services and were let down,” 

The Minister added. 

That reality must stay at the forefront of our minds as we consider what comes next.

To the HSC leaders at the summit, he said: 

We need absolute clarity about responsibility. That means you accept the overarching and fundamental responsibility for ensuring - and for assuring - the safety and quality of care delivered within your organisations. That rests with you and with your Board members. That responsibility is not shared. It cannot be delegated. It is your role. You are the leaders.

The Minister noted the policy and legislative work already underway to help support an open, just and learning culture across the HSC system, including through the Being Open Framework, the Being Human Framework, Duty of Candour legislation, the new Complaints Handling Process, and newly established Patient Safety & Quality Committees. 

He added: 

We have a hard working, dedicated and committed workforce, the vast majority of whom come to work every day, delivering the best of care, whatever the challenging circumstances. 

However, if we are to pass on the Health & Social Care system to the next generation, we have a sacred duty to leave it in better shape than we inherited it.

Where standards fall below what the public and families have a reasonable expectation to expect, accountability must include the full application of HR processes, regulatory action, professional sanction, and the criminal law where necessary.

Ultimately, a system that is both compassionate and accountable is not a contradiction. It is essential. It is a system that supports its staff, learns from failure, and delivers better for those we serve.