UHL say patient safety is 'paramount' after juvenile arrested for mobile phone theft

GARDAÍ have confirmed they are investigating the theft of a personal item from a patient at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

The incident is said to have taken place in the Dooradoyle-based hospital last week, and the item has been confirmed by the injured party to be a mobile phone.

It has been confirmed by a garda spokesperson that a young male was apprehended and detained following the theft.

In a statement, they said: "One male youth aged in his teens was arrested in relation to this incident and has since been released pending referral to the Youth Diversion Programme."

The injured party, who spoke to the Limerick Leader about what occurred, said such incidents "should not be happening."

They added: "I was so traumatised, shocked and upset - I couldn’t stop crying and didn’t feel safe."

Having allegedly confronted the assailant, the mobile phone was returned.

The injured party added: "I do not want it to happen to some poor old lady that wouldn't be able to chase after him," they continued. "It's not right".

Having been contacted for comment, a spokesperson for UL Hospitals Group (ULHG) said: "Patient and staff safety is the paramount consideration in everything we do in our hospitals, and we have processes for responding to and managing incidents when there may be a risk to the safety of patients and staff."

The statement continued: "We regret when any patient is less than satisfied with their experience in UHL or any of our hospital sites, and we encourage anyone who has a negative experience to make an official complaint, in confidence, to Your Service Your Say at [email protected]."