Middlemore Hospital's apologised to a bereaved mother for its communication about her newborn daughter's care and death

Aaliya Kaitani was born last August with meconium aspiration - and died less than 48 hours later.

Mother Priyanka Prasad says she was informed Aaliya's lung had partially collapsed and had overheard her blood pressure was low - but wasn't told what this meant for her condition.

She says no counselling was offered after the death, despite being available.

Counties Manukau Group Director of Operations Vanessa Thornton says proper procedures were followed - but admits communication should have been clearer.