Mothers died within days of birth

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Two mothers died within days of giving birth at the same hospital on the same day, an inquest has heard.

Teachers Amy Kimmance, 39, Jasmine Pickett, 29, gave birth at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester on 21 December, 2007.

The inquest heard they died after being discharged, most likely as a result of a group A streptococcal infection.

Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust said at the time the deaths appeared to have been unconnected.

A spokesman said the trust believed them to be separate incidents.

Mrs Kimmance, who had given birth to a girl, died on 23 December and Mrs Pickett, of Colden Common, who had a boy, died a day later.

I am very conscious of the tragedy which has befallen these two families involved Mid-Hampshire Coroner Grahame Short

Mrs Kimmance developed fatal toxic shock syndrome as a result of a group A streptococcal infection, while Mrs Pickett died from a sudden onset of severe pneumonia, likely to have been caused by a group A streptococcal infection.

Mid-Hampshire Coroner Grahame Short began an inquest in to the death of Mrs Pickett on Monday and said an inquest in to the death of Mrs Kimmance would follow on Wednesday.

Verdicts would be given at the end of the week in both cases.

During the hearing at the County Council chamber in Winchester, he said: "I am very conscious of the tragedy which has befallen these two families involved.

"It is not just the two husbands who have lost their wives, it is the parents who have lost their children and children who have lost their mothers.

"And do not forget the effect these deaths have had on the midwives and other medical staff who cared for Jasmine and Amy."