A mother told a court yesterday how, hours after giving birth to her second child, she witnessed the death of her first daughter, who succumbed to bacterial meningitis after alleged misdiagnosis.

Jacqueline Abela was giving evidence during the continuation of the case which she and her husband have instituted against seven doctors. They are accused of involuntary homicide through negligence and malpractice.

The case happened in February 2011. The doctors, who are pleading not guilty, cannot be named by court order.

Mrs Abela said young Amy had started vomiting. She was taken to St James Hospital where doctors said she was suffering dehydration.

She was sent back home, but as her condition worsened, their private doctor advised them to take her to Mater Dei.

Mrs Abela was also admitted and gave birth to her second daughter.

Meanwhile, tests on Amy revealed an excessive number of white blood cells. The girl remained weak, but doctors said there was no need to administer antibiotics as she was suffering gastric flu.

A day later Mrs Abela  said she was called to her daughter’s ward to find the girl surrounded by doctors after she slipped into unconsciousness. She then passed away .

Pathologist Marie-Therese Camilleri Podesta’  confirmed that the cause of death was bacterial meningitis.