KEY POINTS:
A prisoner is on the run after feigning a heart attack and escaping from his guard at Whangarei Hospital.
The prisoner, who was on remand at Ngawha Prison near Kaikohe, Northland, was rushed to Whangarei Hospital early on Saturday after complaining of chest pains.
The man is then understood to have dislocated his thumb to free himself from handcuffs before fleeing the hospital about 4am on Saturday.
Investigations have been launched to find out how the prisoner gave his guard the slip after being assessed and discharged from the hospital.
Department of Corrections northern regional manager for the Public Prison Service Warren Cummins said the escaped prisoner was on remand at Ngawha and had not been given a security classification.
He said the escape appeared to be premeditated and while this was the first time a prisoner held at Ngawha had escaped, it was worth noting that there had been no escape from the prison itself.
He said the prisoner was assessed by Ngawha medical staff after complaining of chest pains. The medical staff have strict guidelines they have to follow before determining the required treatment needed.
The decision was made that the man needed to go to hospital and the department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the escape, Mr Cummins said.
A Northland District Health Board spokeswoman said the DHB and Corrections have protocols in place regarding the way prisoners are transported and guarded while being taken to hospitals for treatment.
"These are to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors to the hospital and we will be working with Corrections to establish if these protocols were being correctly followed," the spokeswoman said.
It is believed the prisoner was taken to the hospital's emergency department for treatment and escaped as he was being escorted out of the hospital by his prison guard.
The escaped prisoner is Steven Tony Day, aged 20. He is European, 175cm tall, of medium build with a pimply complexion.
He was wearing prison issue green top and track pants when he fled. He is not considered dangerous.
- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)
