Inquest hears earlier antibiotics could probably have saved baby girl’s life
An inquest jury has heard that five-month-old Esta High would probably have survived if doctors had recognised meningitis and given antibiotics earlier. An expert said missed opportunities at Leeds General Infirmary contributed to her death, including staff continuing to attribute her symptoms to Covid.
Esta was taken to hospital on 31 October 2023 with a high temperature and vomiting, and tested positive for Covid. Professor Simon Nadel said blood tests and cultures should have been taken that day, and that later observations should have prompted senior medical reviews and a change of diagnosis; antibiotics were given on 2 November, when she was admitted to intensive care, but by the time seizures appeared it was probably too late. He said his conclusions were based on the balance of probabilities, not certainty.
- Expert says earlier antibiotics could probably have saved Esta.
- Inquest heard Covid diagnosis contributed to missed opportunities.
- Esta died aged five months in November 2023.
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Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. It can become life-threatening, and doctors may use blood tests and cultures to help identify an infection and decide whether to give antibiotics.
Esta High was five months old when she became seriously ill and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary in October 2023. She had a high temperature and was vomiting, and tested positive for Covid; the inquest is examining how doctors assessed her symptoms and care.
An inquest is a court hearing that investigates how someone died, rather than deciding criminal responsibility. Medical expert Professor Simon Nadel told the jury that earlier tests and treatment would probably have given Esta a better chance of survival, while stressing that this was not certain.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Baby girl who died of meningitis would have probably survived if antibiotics were given earlier and doctors looked past Covid diagnosis, inquest jury hears”.