A man has been charged over the assault of two security guards and a police officer at a hospital in the Hunter.
Police say the 42-year-old was admitted to the emergency department at about 8 o'clock on Friday night and became agitated and aggressive as he attempted to leave three hours later.
Three security guards attempted to restrain the man, two were injured during their efforts.
Officers were called to the scene to assist the guards, resulting in one officer allegedly being assaulted.
The patient was eventually subdued and admitted for treatment.
The man has since been released from hospital and served a Court Attendance Notice for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and assault police officer in the execution of his duty.
He will appear in Maitland Local Court on Wednesday, August 14.
The incident followed a strike by Health Services Union members on Thursday, in which hospital staff across the Hunter and the state called for improved security at public hospitals to keep workers and patients safe.
