Glynn Andrews, 48, appeared in court via video link on Wednesday, charged with one count of using a carriage service to make a hoax/threat.

Andrews, who was represented by barrister Jane Healey, did not enter a plea.

Magistrate Mark Richardson ordered Andrews to be taken by police and detained in Shellharbour Hospital for assessment in accordance with the Mental Health Act 2007. 

If on assessment, Andrews is found not to be a mentally ill person or mentally disordered person within the meaning of the Act, he will be brought back before the court.

Patients, staff and members of the public were asked to leave the hospital as a precaution on Tuesday.

The action was triggered after a threat involving the hospital was received via a phone call to triple-O, shortly before 11am, that gave police cause for concern.