The senior doctors union says hospitals may have to look at installing metal detectors or limiting visitors in emergency departments after a shocking weekend attack at Wairarapa Hospital.
A patient sustained moderate injuries after being attacked in the hospital ED just before midnight on Saturday - allegedly by a man wielding a machete.
A 62 year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grevious bodily harm.
The police say the victim and the offender were known to each other.
Te Whatu Ora Wairarapa says an investigation is being launched and extra security has been put in place.
The Executive Director of the senior doctors union - the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Sarah Dalton says there was no security on hand when the attack happened.
Dalton spoke to Ben Strang.
