Police are asking people to watch out for a prison inmate who's escaped from Wanganui Hospital.

Kenneth John Burns had been in the hospital for the last 10 days and was under guard.

The 34-year-old got out around 8pm yesterday, fleeing in bare feet.

He's described as Maori, 1.73 metres tall and of medium to solid build, last seen wearing a greenish coloured top and grey pants.

Burns was in custody on dishonesty offences and police are warning people not to approach him.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Wanganui Police on (06) 349 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.