The patient accused of stabbing a nurse at Christchurch's Hillmorton Hospital has been sent back to the facility.

The 42-year-old man appeared in the Christchurch District Court today, and was remanded in custody for mental health assessment.

He's being charged with injuring with intent but is yet to enter a plea just yet.

It's believed the nurse was stabbed with surgical scissors, just a week after another nurse at the same facility had boiling water poured over her.

These are the latest incidents to take place at the hospital, which has become associated with patient outburts.

Earlier this year, three nurses were assaulted by a patient in a drug induced psychosis. 

At the start of this month, one person was sent to hospital after being punched on the hospital grounds.  

The Canterbury DHB has vowed to take action to ensure staff safety.