Authorities were alerted to an incident where a woman allegedly attacked a 63-year-old man in his hospital room.
“She visited the patient’s bedside, and a regrettable, serious incident transpired,” stated Wilcox.
“Our staff is very familiar with the patient, and we hold a deep concern for his well-being.”
Reports suggest that the man and woman had a prior acquaintance.
The man is currently in critical condition after reportedly being hit on the head with a hammer, resulting in severe injuries.
Wilcox mentioned that the man has had a “fairly lengthy stay” at the hospital, referring to the 63-year-old as a “wonderful individual.”
She said he is now in the intensive care unit and that no other patients or staff were “impacted” following the incident.
“Obviously, it is a distressing event for [those] involved.”
She said the woman was able to access the “four-bedded bay” inside one of the general wards at midnight because the hospital is open 24 hours.
“I’m advised the staff did speak to the person who came into the ward, and there was no issue,” Wilcox said.
“The hospital ward had a number of other patients in our care.”
Wilcox said that the hospital has 24/7 surveillance and that security arrived “promptly” following the alleged incident.
A 46-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and taken to Newtown Police Station.
She was charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and will front court today after being refused bail.
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