Investigation launched after hospital patient was rescued from roof

The man, aged in his late 70s or early 80s, was discovered outside on the roof area, shortly after 11pm.

A source said the man, a patient at the hospital, had accessed the roof through a window.

An internal investigation is underway into how the man ventured out of the confines of hospital and onto the roof.

The HSE did not respond to specific questions about how the man had gained access to the roof.

Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the hospital at approximately 11.30pm.

Four fire appliances, as well as paramedics, hospital staff and gardai attended attended the scene, located near the hospital's outpatient department.

"It's believed the man, a patient, became disorientated on one of the wards and climbed out a window," said a source.

Firefighters used an aerial ladder to bring the man to safety just before midnight.

"The man was not injured in the incident. It's unclear if he meant to go out on the ledge, or if he just got disorientated, and so didn't go back," said a source.

"He was sitting on the ledge talking to hospital staff when the fire service arrived. They used an aerial appliance to take him down and he came willingly," the source added.

"He could have been killed. He's a lucky man," a source said.

In a statement the HSE said: "University Hospital Limerick at approximately 23.15 last night (Sunday, July 5) alerted Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service to an incident where a male patient had gained access to a second floor roof area."

"Staff stayed with and reassured the patient until the arrival of fire service personnel at approximately 23.21. A plan was agreed which lead to the safe retrieval of the patient."

The statement added: "No injuries were suffered by anybody involved in the incident, which is now under review."