Health / Crime

Machete attack in ED prompts calls for security review

16:06 pm on 2 April 2024

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A machete attack in the emergency department at Wairarapa Hospital has a prompted calls for a review of security in smaller hospitals around the country.

Medical staff and a patient had to disarm the machete welding man who attacked person in the Emergency Department on Saturday evening.

A 62 year old man has been arrested and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Te Whatu Ora said it was an isolated attack and police say the victim and attacker were known to each other.

Extra security was was called in.

However, a senior doctors union said some smaller hospitals don't even have designated security in their Emergency Departments and things need to change.

Health Minister Shane Reti speaks to Lisa Owen.