A Wagga man is in a stable condition after being stabbed by a fellow patient at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Tuesday night.
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The 45-year-old man was allegedly stabbed in the back by a 29-year-old woman wielding a knife after he was transported to the RPA emergency department from Wagga Base Hospital.
Police have said the attack appeared to be unprovoked and random and the two people did not know each other.
The altercation reportedly occurred shortly after the pair arrived in separate ambulances at about 10.30pm.
The man underwent surgery for stab wounds.
NSW Police have alleged that the woman had the knife in her possession when she was brought in by ambulance from a home in Sydney’s inner west.
A Sydney Local Health District statement said the female patient was arrested and is under police guard.
“She is known to the hospital,” the statement said.
“A paramedic and nursing staff initiated distress calls and security, medical and nursing staff arrived to assist.
“Police also attended and assisted.
“The injured patient is receiving appropriate care. He is in a stable condition.”
A security officer was also injured while restraining the female patient and was discharged following treatment.
A Sydney Local Health District statement said staff involved in the incident will be offered counselling.
The Health Services Union has called for more than 250 additional security officers at metropolitan NSW hospitals in response to the incident.
Sydney Local Health District said a full complement of security staff was on duty at the time.