A MAN is being treated in hospital for serious head injuries after he fell from a height while helping to build a new 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick.
The construction worker fell several feet and landed on an elevator shaft sustaining a serious head injury, yesterday, Monday.
Paramedics attached to the National Ambulance Service, whose mid west regional headquarters are based adjacent to the hospital site, were quickly on the scene.
Paramedics, assisted by firefighters attached to Limerick City and County Fire Service, initially treated and stabilised the man where he fell before transferring him to the UHL emergency department.
A statement provided by Limerick City and County Council read: “Three units from Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service attended an incident at University Hospital Limerick, Mon 27 Jan, to assist with the rescue of a worker who sustained injuries on a building site.
“The person was extricated and handed over to the care of the HSE.”
The UL Hospitals Group were contacted for comment but did not immediately reply.
A spokeswoman at the Health and Safety Authority, which deals with injuries at workplaces said they were not aware of the incident.
The additional 96-bed block where the man was injured is being constructed to alleviate pressure on UHL which is regularly the most overcrowded hospital nationally.
A second 96-bed block has been earmarked for the hospital to provide extra capacity.
There were 98 patients on trolleys waiting for a bed in the bays and corridors and wards of the hospital yesterday.
