A new mother has died in hospital after she reportedly got lost and collapsed as she returned to her ward from seeing her premature son.

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

She was found within the hospital at around 10pm that evening.

The Edinburgh Evening News reports that the new mother, who had given birth to a premature baby boy four days earlier, was found in a rarely used stairwell having suffered a suspected haemorrhage.

She died a short time later.

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

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.”

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.”