Tributes as mum dies hours after childbirth

FRIENDS have paid tribute to a young mum who died just hours after giving birth to her baby boy.

Nicole Taylor died from a suspected brain infection after her young son Harris had to be delivered 13 weeks premature by doctors at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Medics battled to save her but it is believed she slipped into a coma from which she did not recover.

Friends said the 20-year-old former Craigmount High School pupil had been “so looking forward to being a mum”.

Today health chiefs also pledged to investigate the circumstances leading up to her death.

The Evening News understands that worried relatives twice phoned NHS 24 and were twice referred to NHS Lothian’s out-of-hours service before Nicole was rushed to hospital on Friday night. She had also visited her GP during that time.

Harris was delivered on Monday afternoon in the hours before Nicole, from South Gyle, passed away. Her father David, 53, mum Caroline, 51, and boyfriend Kieran Finlay, 26, are said to have been at her bedside.

Nicole’s family were too upset to speak about her death, but today one heartbroken relative is reported as saying: “Everyone is devastated.

“She was such a charismatic person who was looking forward to being a mum. The family will absolutely dote on Harris.”

According to reports today another family member said that Nicole had been “healthy throughout her pregnancy”.

She added: “I kept clinging to the hope she would be all right once they got all the antibiotics and things in, but it wasn’t to be. Some of the family were in the waiting room when we were told Nicole was dead.”

A close friend of Nicole, who asked not to be named, added: “She was bright and bubbly and was so looking forward to being a mum. It’s all she was thinking about.”

Health chiefs could not confirm the nature of the infection that Nicole died from, but it is thought she was struck down by encephalitis.

Encephalitis is usually triggered by a viral infection which results in swelling of the brain.

Today dozens of Nicole’s friends had left poignant internet tributes on Facebook.

Her best friend Scott Fairlamb wrote that Nicole was “One in a million”.

His friend Chris Murray told Scott: “I know hearing your voice would have helped her pull through and give birth to her little boy.”

Another pal, David Turner added: “So tragic she gave birth to a child she never had the chance to meet.”

Last night NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said the circumstances leading up to her being admitted to hospital would be examined.

He said: “Our sincere sympathy is with the family. We will carry out a detailed investigation.”

David Farquharson, medical director of NHS Lothian, also said the case would be examined.

He added: “We extend our deepest condolences to the family at this time for their tragic loss. We are aware contact was made with our out-of-hours service and a GP practice.”