A boy (who is the subject of an anonymity order) sustained brain damage from oxygen starvation at the time of his birth at a hospital managed by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The hospital admitted a negligent delay in his delivery, and liability for the brain damage that resulted. The case was complicated as experts agreed that the hospital was not responsible for a stroke shortly after his birth, as that would have happened anyway. That stroke had also caused a degree of brain damage. He will require lifelong care and other support.
Mrs Justice Whipple approved a settlement of almost £5m, together with lifelong annual payments. Angus McCullough QC, instructed by Richard Lodge of Kingsley Napley, represented the claimant.
As reported by the BBC, Mrs Justice Whipple praised the care his family had given their child.
“He is very fortunate to have such a loving family around him and I pay tribute to his parents,” she said.
A spokesman for the NHS trust said: “We would like to offer our sincerest apologies to the family. This was a very complex case which has been thoroughly reviewed and has led to a range of measures including further training being put in place to ensure it never happens again.”
Featured in the media here.
Recent blog posts by Angus in relation to anonymity orders can be found here and here on the UKHRB.
