Staff member accused of assaulting mental health patient

A staff member at Porirua mental hospital's Haumietiketike unit has been suspended after an alleged assault on a patient.

The secure facility is for intellectually disabled people needing specialist treatment.

Capital and Coast District Health Board confirmed today it was dealing with an allegation of assault on a male patient by a staff member.

The staff member had been stood down.

Radio New Zealand reported the staff member allegedly punched the patient repeatedly, drawing blood.

- NZPA