Attack by patient leaves orderly seriously hurt

Photo / Richard Robinson

An orderly is in hospital with serious head injuries after being attacked by a patient in an acute mental health unit.

The assault occurred at Tiaho Mai, the acute mental health unit at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland, on Friday evening.

Detective Inspector Mark Gutry, of the Counties Manukau police, said yesterday that the male orderly was in Auckland City Hospital.

Asked if the man's injuries were life-threatening, Mr Gutry said, "At this stage they are serious, but he's expected to survive."

No weapon was used and no one else was injured.

The Tiaho Mai patient has been moved to the Mason Clinic, a secure unit in Pt Chevalier for mentally unwell people who have been involved in the criminal justice system.

Mr Gutry said the patient had not been charged. "We're following lines of inquiry. Once we have all the information we will decide on the appropriate action."

Counties Manukau District Health Board communications manager Lauren Young said the patient was receiving "appropriate treatment in a secure facility".

"Our immediate attention is with our staff member and his family."