Prisoner charged after allegedly fleeing NSW hospital

A prisoner who allegedly tried to escape while being treated at Wollongong Hospital has been charged.

The 34-year-old man was taken to hospital after complaining of abdominal pains at the Wollongong Court House cells yesterday afternoon.

Police allege he punched a Corrective Services officer in the face and tried to steal his gun, before fleeing the hospital.

He was chased down Crown Street towards Staff Road and was shot at twice by a Corrective Services officer.

Police say a member of the public came to the officer's aid and the man was taken back into custody.

"Nobody was injured as a result of the shots fired," Corrective Services said in a statement.

The man was charged with escaping lawful custody, assaulting and resisting an officer.

The officer was treated for minor facial injuries.

The man has been remanded to appear at Port Kembla Local Court on January 21.

Additional reporting by AAP