Middlemore Hospital staff assault

The story so far

A 23-year-old patient has been charged with attempted strangulation over an alleged assault on a staff member at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital.^{7, 10 Jan 2025} The attack, on a Monday, was reportedly unprovoked, and the nurse was reportedly punched and strangled, leaving them unconscious.^{10 Jan 2025} The staff member needed hospital treatment, and Health New Zealand has confirmed the assault occurred.^{7 Jan 2025} Police had dropped the patient off at the emergency department before the incident.^{10 Jan 2025} Health New Zealand will increase security at the emergency department, and it disputed claims that affected staff were not offered mental health support.^{11 Jan 2025}

Latest

Health New Zealand has announced increased security at the Middlemore emergency department following the attack. It has also disputed claims that affected staff were not offered mental health support.^{11 Jan 2025}

What's next

Health New Zealand will increase security at the Middlemore Hospital emergency department.^{11 Jan 2025}

Key moments

1. 7 Jan 2025A 23-year-old patient charged with attempted strangulation after alleged staff assault.
2. 7 Jan 2025Health New Zealand confirms the assault occurred; staff member needed treatment.
3. 10 Jan 2025Attack on nurse described as unprovoked; nurse reportedly left unconscious.
4. 10 Jan 2025Patient had been dropped off at emergency department by police.
5. 11 Jan 2025Health New Zealand announces increased security at the emergency department.
6. 11 Jan 2025Health New Zealand disputes claims staff were not offered mental health support.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.