Inquest finds neglect contributed to baby Esta High's meningitis death at Leeds hospital

An inquest jury at Wakefield Coroner's Court ruled on October 20, 2026, that neglect contributed to the death of five-month-old Esta High from streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis at Leeds General Infirmary in November 2023. Doctors focused on a Covid-19 diagnosis, ignoring parental warnings for 55 hours and missing chances to administer antibiotics. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust admitted failures, apologised, and introduced reforms including Martha's Rule.

Inquest findings and jury conclusions

• ▪The inquest jury determined that, based on the balance of probabilities, receiving the required medical care would probably have saved or prolonged Esta High's life.
• ▪An 11-member inquest jury at Wakefield Coroner's Court concluded on October 20, 2026, that five-month-old Esta High died in November 2023 of natural causes contributed to by hospital neglect.

Hospital trust admissions and apology

• ▪Lawyers representing Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust admitted during the inquest that staff missed opportunities to diagnose bacterial meningitis and administer antibiotics to Esta High.
• ▪Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elizabeth Garthwaite apologised for failing Esta High, acknowledged serious care failures, and confirmed the trust implemented Martha's Rule and paediatric sepsis training.

Illness and death of Esta High

• ▪Five-month-old Esta High died at Leeds General Infirmary on November 6, from streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis after being admitted in late October with a high temperature and vomiting.
• ▪Parents Lynsey Carr and Leon High made the decision on advice from intensive care staff to withdraw life support for five-month-old Esta High prior to her death.

Coronavirus diagnosis and isolation

• ▪Doctors at Leeds General Infirmary maintained a diagnosis of Covid-19 during Esta High's 15 hours on the children's assessment and treatment unit, missing the bacterial meningitis diagnosis.
• ▪Hospital staff placed five-month-old Esta High in a side room at Leeds General Infirmary's children's assessment and treatment unit after she tested positive for coronavirus.

Parental concerns and staff response

• ▪Mother Lynsey Carr stated that staff at Leeds General Infirmary dismissed parental concerns as overprotective anxiety and acted rudely while the family repeatedly requested medical assistance.
• ▪Parents Lynsey Carr and Leon High refused medical advice to take Esta High home after her temperature exceeded 40 degrees Celsius and she exhibited vomiting, a rash, and arm shaking.

Delayed testing and antibiotic treatment

• ▪Scans and diagnostic tests performed on November 2, confirmed meningoencephalitis and streptococcus pneumoniae in Esta High after she remained untreated for bacterial infection for 55 hours.
• ▪Medical staff at Leeds General Infirmary missed opportunities to test five-month-old Esta High for a bacterial infection and administer antibiotic treatment prior to her transfer to intensive care.