Heath board says man was not escaped patient

I REFER to the front page report (Irish Examiner, April 11) in which it was stated that a patient who had escaped from the Mid-Western Regional Hospital terrorised children in their home in Gouldavoher Estate, Limerick.

The person in question was not an escaped patient.

The person attended the hospital's A&E department at 5.45pm on Saturday, was given an initial assessment and then left at 6pm before he had been seen by a doctor.

After the incident in Gouldavoher he arrived back at A&E under Garda escort at 7.20pm, was examined and discharged into Garda custody at 8pm.

Persons attending an A&E department cannot be forced to remain there and to accept medical treatment against their will.

Michael Walsh

Press Officer

Health Service Executive

Mid-Western Area

31-33 Catherine Street

Limerick