Doctors missed critical opportunities to diagnose and treat a five-month-old infant who died from meningitis at Leeds General Infirmary last November, an inquest jury has determined. Esta High was admitted to the hospital in late October 2023 after developing a high fever, vomiting, and later displaying a rash and convulsions. Despite these symptoms and a positive COVID-19 test, medical staff reportedly focused on isolating her rather than investigating the possibility of a serious bacterial infection.

Esta’s parents, Lynsey Carr and Leon High, told the Wakefield Coroner’s Court that their concerns about the severity of her condition were repeatedly dismissed by hospital staff. They described the nearly 15 hours their daughter spent in the hospital’s children’s assessment and treatment (CAT) unit as marked by missed chances to perform essential tests and start antibiotic treatment. Ms. Carr said that hospital personnel were “rude” and unresponsive to their repeated requests for urgent care, leaving them reluctant to send Esta home despite her condition worsening.

The inquest found that Esta died on November 6, 2023, from streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes. The jury concluded that although the death was from natural causes, it was contributed to by neglect, stating that “had Esta received the required care, based on the balance of probabilities, it would have probably saved or prolonged her life.”

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Leeds General Infirmary, acknowledged that there were missed opportunities in diagnosing the infection and administering antibiotics to Esta. Dr. Elizabeth Garthwaite, the hospital’s chief medical officer, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the failure to provide timely care and extended condolences to the family.

In a statement shared during the inquest, Ms. Carr said that during their time at the hospital, they acted as Esta’s advocates but felt they were not taken seriously, which contributed to delays in treatment. She described the decision, made on advice from intensive care staff, to withdraw life support measures as devastating.

The inquest highlighted concerns regarding the initial COVID-19 diagnosis overshadowing the assessment for more life-threatening conditions. It also emphasized the importance of listening to parental concerns and diligently investigating symptoms, particularly in very young children presenting with signs of serious illness.