Shots fired outside Wollongong Hospital

Shots have been fired outside a NSW hospital after a prisoner allegedly tried to escape Corrective Services officers.

The 34-year-old - who faces armed robbery charges - was escorted from the Wollongong Court House cells to Wollongong Hospital after complaining of abdominal pain.

Police say he punched a correctional officer in the face and tried to steal his gun, then allegedly ran out to the street.

But his freedom was short-lived. A Corrective Services NSW spokesman said an officer chased the man and fired two shots, after which the man stopped.

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 is expected to be charged while the an officer was treated for minor facial injuries.