Nurse recovering after attack at Helen Joseph Hospital

A nurse was assaulted at Johannesburg's Helen Joseph Hospital, the Gauteng health department said on Tuesday.

"The Gauteng health department has beefed up security measures at the Helen Joseph Hospital following the brutal attack on a phlebotomist nurse," spokesman Prince Hamnca said.

"The attacker was someone who got into the hospital. The person has not been apprehended."

The attack took place at the Wits University-controlled area in the hospital on Friday night.

The nurse works for the National Health Laboratory Service and draws blood from patients.

"The nurse... is recovering well and is expected to be discharged soon," said Hamnca.

Security guards had been assigned to escort health workers around the hospital.

"The university has also changed locks and put measures in place to ensure that their area is secured."

The hospital had set up a committee to review the effects of the new security measures. It would take into account the concerns raised by staff and patients.

"A case has been reported to the South African Police Service and we want the perpetrator to be apprehended and face the full might of the law," Hamnca said.

Police spokeswoman Constable Mikateko Bila could not confirm the crime.