Escapee patient returns to St Ann’s

In a release, the NWRHA said the two patients “absconded from Ward 7 via a broken iron grill door.”

It said while one patient was returned to the ward, the second has not yet been returned to the hospital.

The NWRHA said several attempts were made to contact his relatives but these “have proven futile.”

It said every effort was being made to ensure the speedy return of the other patient.

It described as “erroneous” the reports that the patients were being treated for violent behaviour. The NWRHA said both men are patients who are not considered dangerous.

“The Belmont police was informed of their escape, in accordance with hospital policy which requires that the authorities should be notified in such an event,” the NWRHA said.