Baby who died from meningitis may have been saved if tested sooner, inquest finds
Summary
A five-month-old baby girl, Esta High, died from bacterial meningitis after doctors delayed testing for the infection because they assumed her symptoms were caused by Covid. An inquest jury found that earlier testing and treatment would likely have saved or extended her life.Key Facts
- Esta High died in November 2023 at Leeds General Infirmary after being admitted with a high fever and vomiting.
- She had tested positive for coronavirus, which led doctors to focus on Covid instead of testing for bacterial meningitis.
- Esta died from streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, a serious bacterial infection of the brain and spinal cord membranes.
- Her parents repeatedly asked for more medical help and said hospital staff did not listen to their concerns.
- The inquest jury concluded that neglect contributed to Esta’s death and that proper care might have saved her.
- Esta spent about 15 hours in the hospital’s children’s assessment unit without receiving antibiotics.
- Hospital officials admitted serious failures occurred and expressed condolences to the family.
- The hospital said it will review the case and take action to improve patient safety.
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