Neglect contributed to a baby girl's meningitis death after Leeds doctors blamed her symptoms on Covid, inquest jury finds

Esta High's parents refused to leave the hospital as doctors suggested, citing her persistent vomiting and a temperature that had climbed above 40C. Lynsey Carr described staff as 'rude' and said they appeared more concerned with isolating Esta because of Covid than with hearing the family's worries. When a rash emerged and Esta's arm began to shake, Ms Carr feared her daughter was about to have a seizure. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust acknowledged that opportunities to administer antibiotics had been missed.

Five-month-old Esta died at Leeds General Infirmary in November 2023, days after admission.

The jury said proper care would probably have 'saved or prolonged her life'.

Ms Carr told the jury: 'We kept asking for help.'