A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting two people with a chisel in a hospital emergency room.

The man allegedly attacked the two victims, members of one family, at Palmerston North Hospital this morning.

One of the victims ended up in surgery as a result of the injury.

The alleged attacker was waiting to be treated for a minor injury, police said.

Security detained him until police arrived and he was arrested.

He is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court today, on two charges of wounding with intent.

General manager clinical services and transformation Mike Grant said the family was understandably shocked by the attack.

“We have extended to the family our sincere regret for the incident which occurred.”