Inquest after death

An inquest has heard that a young mother from Bristol and her baby died of an infection after a GP failed to realise she was 35 weeks pregnant.

Tina Wildgoose, 24, from Kingswood, died in December 2005 after she gave birth to a stillborn baby at the city's Southmead hospital.

The inquest, near Bristol, was told that Dr Katherine Wright failed to spot Ms Wildgoose was heavily-pregnant when she visited her surgery just days before going into labour.

Dr Wright, who was working as cover at Christchurch Family Medical Centre, admitted the situation was "incredible".

Dr Wright said that Ms Wildgoose had not mentioned her condition when she made an appointment complaining that she was suffering from insomnia.

She added: "If I had known she was pregnant I would have examined her. It was incredible - I deeply regret not knowing that she was pregnant."

Coroner Brian Whitehouse asked Dr Wright if she had seen records of her pregnancy in her notes.

Dr Wright replied: "I really cannot remember. I am sure I would have checked. I must have asked her."

She added: "I think she concealed the pregnancy from me because she did not know me."

The inquest continues.

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