Edinburgh hospital death: New mother dies on stairwell four days after giving birth

A new mother has been found dead in a hospital stairwell after she reportedly got lost and collapsed while returning to her ward from seeing her premature son.

A search was launched after Amanda Cox was reported missing from Edinburgh Royal Infirmary at about 5pm on Monday.

She was found inside the hospital at about 10pm that evening.

The Edinburgh Evening News reported the new mother, who had given birth to the premature baby boy four days earlier, had suffered a suspected haemorrhage.

It is thought the patient may have got lost while returning to her ward from the neo-natal unit downstairs.

NHS Lothian deputy chief executive Jim Crombie said: "My thoughts and sympathies are with the family of Amanda Cox at this sad time.

"A police investigation is ongoing and we are assisting with their inquiries."

In a statement, police said: "We can confirm that missing woman Amanda Cox was discovered collapsed within the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary around 10pm on Monday, December 10.

"She sadly passed away a short time later.

"The death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Amanda's family and friends at this time."