Kidnapping: Mum wants findings public

Elsje Pretorius' baby daughter Nadine, was taken from Middlemore Hospital on September 25.
Elsje Pretorius' baby daughter Nadine, was taken from Middlemore Hospital on September 25.
The mother of a baby kidnapped from Middlemore Hospital would like to see the findings of a review into security released as soon as possible, to give other expectant mothers peace of mind.

Elsje Pretorius' baby daughter Nadine, was taken from Middlemore Hospital on September 25, while Mrs Pretorius had a quick shower just metres away from her sleeping child about 8pm.

The baby girl was found at a Manurewa property about 4am, safe and well, and was reunited with her parents.

The findings of a review into security at Middlemore Hospital were presented before the Middlemore Board on Wednesday, however, they were yet to be made public.

A spokeswoman for Counties Manukau District Health Board said they were still in discussion as to how much of the review should be shared.

She said there were parts of the review that needed to remain confidential, such as some of the enhanced security measures that had been implemented.

An external review was also underway to ensure an "absolutely sound process" she said.

Ms Pretorious said she has been busy "being a mum", but would like to see the review released so expectant mothers could have peace of mind that they would never go through the ordeal she and her family had been through.

"It is in the back of my mind all the time... what are they doing to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"I would like to see the report to see something more concrete than the hearsay of other people."

Ms Pretorious said she had heard through "word of mouth" that Middlemore Hospital had put new procedures in place.

"I have a friend in the hospital at the moment in the maternity ward... it is very difficult for visitors to get in. As far as details about what procedures, I am not sure.

"But I know in my heart they really are doing what they can, and putting measures in place to make sure it doesn't happen again."

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