HSE dismiss axe claims as “alarmist”

The HSE has described reports today over an incident involving an axe at Letterkenny General Hospital as “alarmist and exaggerated”.

Sinn Fein Letterkenny Cllr Gerry McMonagle today called for security to be upped at the facility amid reports that a man brandishing an axe had to be coaxed from a staff room on the hospital’s fourth floor yesterday.

The HSE has admitted there was an incident involving a hatchet at Letterkenny General yesterday but that the instrument was brought in by a child.

They have confirmed there were two men in the waiting area, one of whom was carrying a hatchet and Gardai were called to the scene.

However, the HSE says there was no disturbance and when challenged by hospital staff, the man handed the hatchet over.

It later emerged the weapon had been brought into the hospital by the son of one of the two men.

The child’s father said the hatchet was being carried for his protection.

It is understood the child, his father and other members of the group were all part of an extended family who were waiting to see an ill relative.

The HSE concluded their statement by saying a wide range of security measures, including human, electronic and operational methods, are employed at various health service locations.