Patient allegedly set on fire, two others doused in accelerant at Sydney hospital
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A patient was allegedly set alight at The Prince of Wales Hospital. (ABC Radio Sydney: Declan Bowring)
A man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after allegedly pouring accelerant on three patients before setting one of them on fire at a hospital in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Emergency services were called to The Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick about 10:45pm on Tuesday, following reports of a concern for welfare.
Eastern Beaches Police Area Command officers were told a 48-year-old patient at the hospital had doused two men, 54 and 63, as well as a woman, 64, in accelerant.
NSW Police said he then allegedly set fire to the 54-year-old man before it was extinguished by hospital staff.
That man sustained minor burns and was kept for observation as a precaution. He remains in a stable condition.
The 63-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were treated for minor injuries and remain in a stable condition.
The 48-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder, common assault, and two counts of attempt to cause grievous bodily harm to a person with intent.
'Distressing incident'
A South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday "staff responded quickly to a safety incident involving patients" the night prior.
"To ensure the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, hospital staff also immediately notified NSW Police, who responded to the incident," they said.
"South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is offering support and care to the people impacted by this distressing incident.
"We are also assisting NSW Police with their enquiries."
The spokesperson said there was no ongoing risk to patients and staff.
Shadow Minister for Health, Sarah Mitchell, said she was "deeply disturbed" by the reports.
"This is beyond unacceptable in NSW," Ms Mitchell said in a statement.
"Safety must be a non-negotiable in our public hospitals."
The man is scheduled to face Bail Division Court on Thursday.
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