Antrim hospital staff 'complained of bullying'

The author of a report on accident and emergency services at Antrim hospital has told MLAs she spoke to staff who complained of a culture of bullying at the hospital but had not referred to it in her report.

Mary Hinds told the health committee she had wanted to give "a total picture of the trust" and that she had not not been "gagged" or asked to change her words.

Ms Hinds' report revealed low staff morale caused by a culture driven by "rules targets and protocols".

A second report by English GP Dr Ian Rutter drew attention to lengthy trolley waits at the hospital.

The permanent secretary of the Department of Health, Dr Andrew McCormick said the department had not been satisfied with the level of service at the hospital's accident and emergency for some time.

Sean Donaghy of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, which runs the hospital, said they had seen no evidence of bullying.