South Australia's corrections minister has ordered an investigation into the response of Adelaide Remand Centre's private management to the alleged bashing of a guard.

9News understands two prison officers were allegedly cornered in an office on Sunday afternoon by an inmate at Adelaide Remand Centre, where one was beaten around the head.

Both were taken to Calvary hospital by private car and no ambulance was called.

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It's believed the centre may have been left short-staffed over the weekend. 

"It's argued from day one that privatisation of prisons wouldn't work; that it would lead to staff cuts and risks to the safety of prison officers and inmates," the officers' union said in response to the incident.

The state's Correctional Services Minister, Joe Szakacs, told 9News, "Any situation where an officer is subject to assault is totally unacceptable".

"I have asked the department of corrections to undertake a review of the incident, as well as the adequacy of post-incident management by the private operator," he said. 

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The operator, Serco, has been investigated previously when a high-profile escape in 2020 saw it fined $100,000.

In August, the former general manager pleaded guilty to stealing cash from the inmates.

9News has asked Serco for comment.

South Australia police are now investigating the incident.