DHB to review security

Auckland District Health Board is reviewing its security procedures after a woman at Auckland Hospital was able to leave nearby Starship Children's Hospital with her newborn baby.

The woman walked out of the hospital around 4.30pm, about 1-1/2 hours after giving birth to her baby.

Police were asked to locate the woman and her child and found her about an hour later.

An Auckland DHB spokesman confirmed the woman had left with the baby, and confirmed an investigation of security procedures would be made.

"We would not have discharged this person ordinarily," he told NZPA.

He would not confirm reports that the mother was being treated for methamphetamine addiction and the baby was suffering from methamphetamine issues.

- NZPA