Hospital guard on phone when baby comes calling

Shana Ferris gave birth alone in her sister's car when she could not get into a locked Christchurch Women's Hospital.

A midwife instructed Ms Ferris to go straight to hospital about 3.30am when she was in heavy labour but when she arrived with her mother and sister a few minutes later there was no way to get in.

While her mother and sister were trying to find a way in, Ms Ferris gave birth to Te Ahu in the back seat of the car at 3.48am.

The hospital doors were finally opened soon after and mother and baby admitted.

Ms Ferris said when she got inside a security guard said: "Sorry, I was on the phone."

The Canterbury District Health Board would not comment.