The 34-year-old man is alleged to have punched a corrective services officer in the face and attempted to steal a firearm before fleeing the Wollongong Hospital grounds.

Outside the hospital he fled down adjacent Staff Street after apparently crossing the busy Princes Highway.

One of the officers involved in the pursuit fired two shots, police said. No one was injured and a member of the public assisted the officers to recapture the man.

The 34-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Wollongong police station where he was expected to be charged, police said.

He had been brought to the hospital after complaining of stomach pain and was under armed guard.

A spokesperson for Wollongong Hospital declined to comment on the specifics of the escape but said: "Any patient receiving care who is in custody is the responsibility of corrective services."

A male corrective service officer sustained minor facial injuries and was treated by paramedics, police said.