A prisoner who escaped custody at Port Macquarie Base Hospital after pushing two guards over has been recaptured, police say.

Key points: Matthew Furner escaped around 8:00am Sunday

Matthew Furner escaped around 8:00am Sunday A warning shot was fired in nearby bushland as Furner escaped

A warning shot was fired in nearby bushland as Furner escaped A police dog located Furner as he attempted to enter a property

Corrective Services says Matthew Furner, 28, escaped from the hospital after his shackles were removed so he could shower.

Police conducted an extensive search of an area in Frederickton, where a police dog located Furner as he attempted to enter a property.

Furner was assessed by New South Wales Ambulance at Kempsey Police Station for minor bites to his face and will face Port Macquarie Local Court later today.

The man was bathing in preparation to be discharged and returned back to prison about 8:00am Sunday when he escaped.

A guard fired a warning shot during the incident, but Furner continued to run and fled into the nearby bushland.

The hospital was in lockdown following the incident.

Detective chief inspector Guy Flaherty said the shot was fired in the bushland area away from the hospital.

"The circumstances of that will be reviewed by both police and corrective services," he said.

"I understand the two security guards, or the two corrective services guards were with [him] at all times and it was only during a time of bathing and using toilet facilities that he has fled."

The ABC understands he was not wearing handcuffs at the time.

The Health Services Union said a nurse at the hospital suffered injuries after being assaulted during the escape.

It is understood Furner was a prisoner at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre, in West Kempsey, about 25 kilometres from the hospital and the Port Macquarie town.