A man whose wife died after giving birth to their first child is suing Medway Maritime Hospital.

Claire Joel, 28, of Galleon Way, Upnor, died just five days after the delivery, an inquest heard.

Although she had a health problem which made her pregnancy high risk, hospital chiefs have admitted that her care “fell below the standards”.

Her husband Mark has instructed solicitors to pursue a negligence claim against Medway NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital.

The inquest at County Hall, Maidstone, heard that Claire was admitted on October 17 last year after her waters broke. Her daughter, who was healthy and continues to do well, was born by caesarean section on October 19.

Mother and baby remained in hospital following the delivery but Claire began to feel unwell on October 23, which was noted by doctors.

The next day she was found to have suffered septic shock and, after a number of cardiac arrests, she died that evening.

The inquest heard that Claire fell pregnant in February 2008. She had an underlying haematological condition which made her blood clot.

Obstetrician Sharon Griffin said she had written a detailed report about the sequence of events surrounding the mother-to-be’s treatment and admitted Claire should have been given antibiotics at an earlier stage and there should have been more steps to monitor her condition after giving birth.

She said: “Claire’s condition was very rare and, out of 10 specialists consulted, not one had dealt with a case like hers.

“There should have been more frequent observations of Claire, as they did not occur as often as they should have done.”

Coroner Roger Sykes said he would deliberate over his findings and publish his narrative verdict shortly.

He added: “I must pass on my deepest condolences to Mr Joel and his family.”

A spokesman for Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: “The trust’s sincerest sympathies remain with Mrs Joel’s family.

"The trust is committed to the highest standards of care but it is apparent that the care received by Mrs Joel fell below the standards that the trust would wish to provide, and for which the trust apologises unreservedly.

“Thorough investigations into Mrs Joel’s care have taken place by both the trust and by invited external investigators. As a result, the trust has made changes to practices and procedures, which are being carefully monitored, to minimise the risk of this happening again.”