A "bloody, violent attack" by a patient at Port Macquarie Base Hospital has left five workers severely injured, with "flesh torn from the body, bite wounds, concussion, broken ribs, torn cartilage and other injuries," according to the health workers' union.

The workers were injured by a man who had been brought to the hospital's emergency department in handcuffs by police.

The attacker was under the supervision of a health and security assistant, but five more assistants were called after the man became aggressive and tried to leave.

They were injured in a violent struggle, with one man left with five broken ribs and another with a concussion after being slammed to the ground.

Another has deep bite wounds on his shoulder, the fourth has cuts and bruises and the fifth is being assessed for a broken arm.

HSU NSW Secretary Gerad Hayes said that it's lucky no one was killed.

“One of our members has literally had flesh torn from his body,” Hayes said in a statement.

“Another had his head slammed to the ground.

“This horrific, unforgettable act of violence will deeply affect everyone injured and also those who witnessed it.”

A Hazzard spokesperson said the minister was “appalled” by the attack.

“To have health and security staff attacked when they are doing their job of looking after patients and the community is nothing short of atrocious,” the spokesperson said.

“If it is found the safety protocols need to be changed, they will be.”

Hayes said a serious commitment from NSW Health was needed for change.

“It’s just awful, it’s nearly in their job description that you’ve got to be belted every now and then.”

“Unless there is a serious commitment from the Ministry of Health and the local health districts to deal with security and safety within hospitals proactively by enhancing resourcing, training and qualifications, we’re just going keep seeing this stuff and it’s going to get worse,” he said.

“I’m just so sick of having this discussion.”