'Extreme concern' after Christchurch nurse stabbed at mental health facility

The Canterbury DHB is "extremely concerned" after learning a Christchurch mental health nurse was stabbed on Sunday, just days after another attack at the same facility.

The attack, which comes within the same week as a nurse having boiling water poured on her, saw another Hillmorton Hospital nurse stabbed in the leg this afternoon.

It is not yet known how serious the nurse's injuries are.

Canterbury DHB chief executive David Meates says it will be investigating the matter fully.

"Whenever there is a serious incident such as this, a review will be carried out to understand what happened and what can be done to reduce the chance of a recurrence. That process is underway," he said.

"No level of violence towards staff, patients, or anyone else is acceptable."

A 42-year-old man has been arrested over the stabbing, and will appear in Christchurch District Court on Monday to face charges of injuring with intent to injure.

Mr Meates will meet with Hillmorton Hospital staff to discuss the regularity of assaults at the facility. He says he is open to hearing any ideas to reduce the risk to staff members.

"A number of changes have been implemented, however if there is more we need to do immediately and in the longer term, we will be working collaboratively with staff and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation to make our acute mental health unit safer," he said.

Newshub.