A Corrections staff member suffered critical injuries during an altercation at the department’s Whanganui service centre.
Emergency services were called to an assault at the Wilson Street office about 10.20am on Wednesday.
St John said one patient was taken to Whanganui Base Hospital with critical injuries.
The Department of Corrections said they were now in a stable condition.
Violence against Corrections staff was unacceptable, the department’s communities, partnerships and pathways director Glenn Morrison said.
He said staff restrained the alleged attacker until police arrived and gave first aid to the injured staffer.
“We appreciate this would have been an extremely distressing incident for them and all staff at the site are being supported.”
Police said a 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
The man is due to appear in Whanganui District Court on Thursday, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
rnz.co.nz
