Middlemore Hospital in Auckland is reviewing its
security after a 24-year-old woman allegedly tried to abduct a baby from
the hospital's birthing unit last Wednesday.
Neha Narayan
appeared in the Manukau District Court last Thursday, charged with
abduction of a young person. She was remanded on bail and will reappear
on January 23.
Middlemore spokeswoman Lauren Young said electronic
monitoring devices and extra surveillance cameras could by introduced
as part of the review.
"Everything's possible. Obviously our major
purpose is to keep the women and their babies safe. We want a speedy
resolution," she told Fairfax New Zealand.
Middlemore's birthing
unit has three entrances and exits accessible by swipe card and visitors
are required to report to the ward clerk at the reception desk, Ms
Young said.
Visiting hours are restricted to between 2pm and 8pm and staff check on visitors there after hours.
Narayan
faked a pregnancy for nine months before asking her partner to drop her
off at the hospital because she said she was about to give birth.
Hospital staff had seen Narayan and had asked her why she was there. Narayan was followed by a nurse to the carpark.