Hospital agrees pay-out following serious oversight

The health service is to pay millions in compensation after a girl was left with serious disabilities following an error at birth.

The High Court heard that the girl had been born with an infection that her mother had passed on during pregnancy.

But following the birth six years ago, staff at Lewisham Hospital had not noticed the warning signs and the new-born baby was discharged.

This oversight led to the girl developing meningitis, which resulted in brain damage and cerebral palsy.

Now aged five, the youngster suffers from a raft of health problems aside from the movement disorder, including epilepsy and profound learning difficulties. Indeed, she relies on 24-hour care.

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust has admitted liability and has now agreed to pay a £2million lump sum and £600,000 a year to cover the girl’s care costs.

In a statement, the organisation said it had apologised unreservedly to the family.

It is important to seek expert legal advice if you believe you have the grounds to pursue a clinical negligence claim.  For guidance please contact our head of Dispute Resolution Stephen Silverman or visit our website.

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