A front line health worker has been assaulted while leaving work at Moree Hospital on Thursday night.
Police investigating the incident, which saw the hospital staffer assaulted by a gang of five young people.
Just after 5pm on Thursday, 2 April, police were called to the hospital on Alice Street, Moree, following reports a woman had been assaulted in the carpark.
Police were told the 58-year-old woman was walking to her vehicle when a teenage boy approached and demanded her car keys. When she resisted, four further teenage boys allegedly appeared and assaulted her before leaving the scene on foot.
The woman was treated at the hospital.
Officers from New England Police District established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation. Police inquiries are ongoing, and officers are still working to identify those involved.
A spokesperson for Hunter New England Local Health District confirmed the incident involved a staff member.
“The safety of our patients, families and staff is our number one priority,” the spokesperson said.
“On Thursday, 2 April, we were notified of an incident on the grounds of Moree Hospital involving someone who works on-site.
“NSW Police attended and are now investigating with hospital security staff.”
The incident is a blow for the town that is desperately in need of more health workers, with various initiatives to recruit and retain doctors and other health professionals to service Moree and a large surrounding area that relies on its services and facilities.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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