Home / Health / Baby's Meningitis Death: Hospital Neglect Found
Baby's Meningitis Death: Hospital Neglect Found
21 Oct
Summary
- Neglect contributed to a baby's death from meningitis.
- Doctors missed opportunities to save the infant's life.
- Hospital staff adhered to a Covid diagnosis, ignoring meningitis signs.
An inquest jury has determined that neglect played a role in the tragic death of five-month-old Esta High. The infant succumbed to meningitis after healthcare professionals at a Leeds hospital missed crucial opportunities to intervene.
Evidence presented during the inquest revealed that medical staff adhered strictly to a Covid-19 diagnosis for Esta. This rigid adherence meant they refused to consider alternative diagnoses, even when signs pointed towards meningitis.
Instead of pursuing a correct diagnosis and treatment, Esta was placed in isolation due to the suspected Covid-19 infection. This misdiagnosis and subsequent isolation directly contributed to the neglect that ultimately led to her preventable death.
