Under the new system, babies will be tagged to allow their location in the hospital to be tracked at all times.

The system is designed to alert health staff if any baby is unlawfully removed from the hospital.

If a newborn is moved beyond a designated point in the hospital, an alarm sounds and the system notifies midwives of the baby’s location.

It will also pinpoint the exit door used if the child has been taken from the hospital.

“It’s to provide a more secure environment for mothers and babies,” director of nursing Sue Patterson said.

“It’s security to stop any random taking of babies.”

Ms Patterson said although such an incident hadn’t occurred in Orange before, the system would provide additional security in what was a much larger hospital with more entry points.

She said the system was in use in metropolitan areas, but it’s the first time it has been employed in the greater western area.

“This new facility does have multiple entry points, so in terms of ensuring we know where babies are and that babies are only leaving with mum and dad, and no one else, and that correct procedures are being followed, this will give a heightened level of awareness,” she said.

Mother Natasha Wright, whose son Lynk was born last week, said she supported the plan to introduce tougher security measures.

“I think it’s a good idea,” she said.

“Just for safety really, there’s a lot of scary people out there.

“It’s easy to get [the babies] mixed up too.”