An investigation is underway after a woman who had recently given birth was found dead in her room at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
She was found early on Monday morning on the floor with her baby underneath her.
Attempts to revive her were unsuccessful and she was pronounced dead, reports The Mirror.
It is being treated as a tragic incident, although the cause of death is not known.
The infant had sustained serious injuries and is receiving emergency care at the hospital.
“South South West Hospital Group wishes to confirm that an investigation is underway following a tragic occurrence at Cork University Maternity Hospital on Monday morning,” a statement from the hospital said.
“Our priority is supporting the patient’s family and therefore we will not be commenting on the individual case at this time.”
It is believed the woman, who was in her 30s and in a single room, may have been breastfeeding when the accident happened.
One possible line of investigation is that she fell out of bed due to a medical episode.
Staff had checked on her at around 7am, according to the Irish Times, and saw no sign of anything being wrong.
A full post-mortem is due to be carried out on her body.
