An alleged hammer attack at Sydney's biggest hospital that has left a patient fighting for life was allegedly over stolen ashes.
Police say accused attacker, Viki Graham, 46, was visiting the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown after 12am when she allegedly assaulted 63-year-old patient Brett Jones at his bedside.
Officers were told Graham ignored orders from the night nurse who said it was too late to visit before the alleged attack.
LIVE UPDATES: Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon
Graham allegedly told the nurse, "I just want to talk to him".
She then allegedly pulled out a hammer with a pink handle and struck Jones over the head in front of other patients.
She allegedly then claimed that Brett Jones had stolen her brother's ashes.
Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Deb Willcox said Jones was "well-known" to the staff after a "reasonably long stay" at RPA Hospital.
"[She] attended the bedside of the patient, and an unfortunate, serious event has occurred," Wilcox said.
"Our patient is well-known to the staff, and we care about that patient very much."
Jones remains in a critical condition after he suffered serious injuries following the attack.
READ MORE: Homicide squad investigates death of man in Melbourne high-rise apartment
She said he is now in the intensive care unit and that no other patients or staff were "impacted" following the incident.
"Obviously, it is a distressing event for [those] involved."
She said Graham was able to access the "four-bedded bay" inside one of the general wards at midnight because the hospital is open 24 hours.
"I'm advised the staff did speak to the person who came into the ward, and there was no issue," Wilcox said.
"The hospital ward had a number of other patients in our care."
Wilcox said that the hospital has 24/7 surveillance and that security arrived "promptly" following the alleged incident.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he will be reviewing the incident.
"From time to time, given the complex nature of people presented in our emergency departments, there are issues we have to handle," he said.
Graham was arrested at the scene and taken to Newtown Police Station.
She was charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and faced court today after being denied bail.
She is set to remain behind bars until at least her next court appearance in June.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
