A nurse has been seriously injured after she was stabbed, reportedly by a patient, in the car park of a hospital in North Ayrshire.
Ailsa hospital, on the outskirts of Ayr, was placed on lockdown as Police Scotland searched for the attacker following the stabbing at about 10am on Thursday.
The victim is being treated at another hospital but her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran said the building was placed “on full lockdown” as a police helicopter and officers searched the area.
Staff, patients or visitors were locked inside the hospital until it reopened about three hours later.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: At around 10.05am on Thursday, police received a report that a woman had been attacked in the grounds of Ailsa Hospital on Dalmenington Road in Ayr.
“The injured woman, was taken to Ayr Hospital for treatment. Her injuries are described by hospital medical staff as being serious but stable. Her relatives have been made aware.
“Officers continue to carry out an extensive search of the local area.
“The car park of Ailsa Hospital remains closed as police enquiries are ongoing. The remainder of the hospital is open to staff and patients.”
“Emergency services are in attendance and the woman has been taken to hospital.
“Local officers, supported by a police helicopter, are carrying out a search of the area. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Nicola Sturgeon said she was receiving reports about the stabbing as she entered the chamber for First Minister’s Questions.
She was asked about the incident by Ayr MSP John Scott, who told Scottish parliament: ”I understand a nurse has been stabbed by a patient”.
The first minister said: “Our understanding is that injuries sustained by a nurse are not life-threatening injuries and that police are fully involved in this incident.
“Obviously, the safety of staff an patients is of the utmost importance.”
Billy McClean, associate director for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, added: “We are assisting Police Scotland with their investigations, and to ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors.
“We are unable to comment any further at this time.”
Ailsa hospital is a small facility providing inpatient and outpatient services, specialising in mental health, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and rehabilitative care.
