The attack at Wairarapa Hospital is being seen as an example of the increasing violence being seen around the country's Emergency Departments.
A visitor was struck with a machete on Saturday night, suffering a fractured skull.
An incident team's reviewing what happened as a 62-year-old faces charges.
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Mike Hosking that it's a real problem.
She says it's usually more verbal violence than physical, but members are saying physical violence is on the increase.
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