A Hillmorton Hospital patient accused of stabbing a mental health nurse was actually trying to harm himself, police allege.
The 42-year-old man has been remanded in custody at the hospital while a psychiatric report is done.
Police laid the rare charge of "transferred malice" when he appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Monday.
- Extreme concern after Christchurch nurse stabbed at mental health facility
- Nurse left with second-degree burns after patient attacks her with scalding water
- Nearly two-thirds of nurses in favour of new pay offer
They allege he was trying to injure himself when he injured the nurse.
The man entered no plea to the charge and has been granted interim name suppression.
It is believed the female nurse was stabbed in the leg with surgical scissors on Sunday, just days after another nurse at the same facility had boiling water poured on her.
Canterbury DHB chief executive David Meates previously told Newshub the DHB will investigate the matter.
"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."
Mr Meates is meeting 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.
Where to find help and support:
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Newshub.
