A man is fighting for life after an alleged hammer attack inside Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he was struck in the head while lying in his hospital bed.
A Patient Targeted While Receiving Care
The alleged attack occurred in the early hours of April 9, when a woman is said to have entered a ward and approached a 63-year-old patient who had been in hospital since January. The man, who is known to the accused, was reportedly asleep when he was struck in the head with a hammer.
Emergency services were called about 12:15am following reports of an assault inside the hospital. The man sustained a fractured skull and remains in a critical condition in intensive care.
The accused, a 46-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene. She has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and remains in custody.
Entry to Ward Outside Visiting Hours
The woman is alleged to have entered the hospital and made her way into the ward outside standard visiting hours. Staff reportedly spoke with her before she continued towards the patient’s room.
Despite established visiting guidelines, hospitals of this scale receive a constant flow of visitors, with staff often accommodating people arriving at different times.
The woman was able to reach the patient’s bedside before the alleged assault occurred. Following the incident, the ward was placed under lockdown, preventing her from leaving before authorities arrived.
Alleged Dispute Behind The Attack
Details presented in court indicate the alleged attack may be linked to a personal dispute. It is alleged the woman believed the patient had taken her brother’s ashes, a claim she later repeated to police after her arrest.
Police allege the incident involved a single blow to the man’s head, resulting in a deep wound and significant injury. The patient continues to receive treatment in intensive care.
Staff Response And Review Underway
Hospital staff responded to the incident as it unfolded, with support extended to those involved in managing the situation and its aftermath.
A review into the circumstances surrounding the attack is now underway, including how the woman was able to access the ward and reach the patient while carrying the hammer.
The patient remains in critical condition as investigations continue.
Published 10-Apr-2026
