Hospital patient accused of attempted murder

A patient has been accused of attempting to murder a Palmerston North Hospital staff member during an alleged unprovoked attack.

Casey Malcolm Thomas Buthune, 27, Pahiatua, northern Wairarapa, was remanded in custody for a mental health report after appearing in Palmerston North District Court on Thursday, the Manawatu Standard reports.

He was ordered to be held in psychiatric care in a Porirua Hospital until his next court appearance at the end of the month.

A MidCentral Health spokesman confirmed a hospital staff member "was the subject of an alleged unprovoked serious assault from a patient" on April 30.

He said that because Buthune was now before the court, further details of the incident could not be released.

The staff member had been off work since the incident and was expected to return next week.

The spokesman said the hospital was now doing a clinical review into the patient's care and treatment.

"Any matters highlighted by the clinical review will be followed up for appropriate action."

- NZPA