Jessica Palmer spent six days at home in increasing pain

Jessica Palmer died from an infection after giving birth in June 2004. A coroner concluded she could have been saved had she been treated earlier.

St George's Healthcare NHS Trust and Kingston Hospital NHS Trust accepted liability for the shortcomings in care that led to Mrs Palmer's death.

Her husband Ben has called for greater continuity of maternal care.

"My wife died a horrific death six days after giving birth to our daughter," he said.

"This should not have happened.

My wife died a horrific death Ben Palmer

"More than anything I want action taken to ensure that maternity services are improved so that nothing like this ever happens again."

Mrs Palmer, 34, was discharged from Kingston Hospital in south-west London after giving birth, despite having low blood pressure and an abnormal temperature.

She spent four days at home suffering from puerperal sepsis, a form of septicaemia, which led to multiple organ failure and her death.

Speaking for the trusts, solicitor Robert Wilson said the tragedy had "led to a great deal of soul-searching".

"I would particularly like to convey the profound regret of all the clinicians and staff involved in her care."