An investigation has been launched after a Maidstone mother died after giving birth at a London hospital.

Heavily pregnant Abimbola Babatola was rushed to Tunbridge Wells Hospital after complaining of a separate issue in July.

The 39-year-old, of St Catherine’s Road, Park Wood, was transferred to King’s College Hospital a day later for specialist treatment.

More than three weeks later the mother of three died shortly after giving birth by caesarean at the Denmark Hill facility. Her baby survived.

Mrs Babatola’s death on Friday, July 31, has sparked an external investigation.

A spokesman for King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Maternal deaths of this kind are very rare and a full external investigation is taking place.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the patient’s family at this difficult time.”

The trust was unable to say who would head up the investigation.

Neither Maidstone and Tunbrisge Wells NHS Trust nor King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was able to provide details of her illness.

“Maternal deaths of this kind are very rare and a full external investigation is taking place" - King's College spokesman

A report has been passed to the Inner South London Coroner’s office.

A spokesman for the court said: "The case is at the investigation stage awaiting the final Post Mortem report from the pathologist. On receipt of that report the decision will be made whether to open an inquest."

He added no application to transfer the case to Mid Kent and Maidstone coroner's office has yet been made.

Mrs Babatola leaves behind her husband Oladapo Babatola, a doctor who works at Priority House next to Maidstone Hospital, and three children.

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