A nurse is in a serious condition after she was reportedly stabbed by a patient in a hospital car park.

Emergency services were called to Ailsa Hospital in North Ayrshire at around 10am on Thursday after the woman was attacked.

She is currently receiving treatment in hospital but her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Police Scotland initially locked down the hospital and surrounding area while searches were carried out but the facility reopened around 1pm.

A force spokesman said: “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.”

Ailsa Hospital
Police Scotland initially locked down the hospital and surrounding area while searches were carried out (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Ayr MSP John Scott raised the incident at First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) in the Scottish Parliament, saying: “I understand a nurse has been stabbed by a patient”.

Nicola Sturgeon said she was receiving reports about the incident as she entered the chamber for FMQs.

She said: “Our understanding – and let me stress this is our understanding, the first I will do when I leave the chamber will be to get a full update on this – 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 and patients is of the utmost importance.”

NHS Ayrshire and Arran earlier said no patients, staff or visitors would be able to leave the site but some restrictions were later relaxed.

Billy McClean, associate director for the health board, added: “NHS Ayrshire and Arran is aware of an incident in the grounds of Ailsa Hospital this morning.

“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.”