Hospital to pay £15m towards injured child's care

ABJ was born after his mother was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital multiple times in 2008 during her pregnancy

A High Court judge has awarded a young boy with multiple complex needs a £15m compensation care package after the hospital trust responsible admitted the injuries he sustained at birth could have been avoided.

The child, referred to as ABJ, was born after his mother was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital multiple times in 2008, while pregnant with vomiting and bleeding.

The legal team representing ABJ's mother said despite tests showing she had a possible infection, she had been discharged without appropriate antibiotics which was believed to have led to a series of life-threatening conditions including meningitis.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it was "truly sorry" for the care received.

Two weeks after ABJ had been born, he was readmitted to hospital and diagnosed with Group A Streptococcal septicaemia, a type of bacterial infection, Simpson Millar Solicitors said.

It added it was believed that while he had initially made good progress in his recovery, he had since undergone numerous surgeries and continued to face significant challenges.

He suffered from cognitive difficulties and mobility issues, and would require ongoing medical and educational support, solicitors said.

'Profound and lasting impact'

ABJ's mother appointed a lawyer to bring a negligence claim against the trust, alleging she should have been made aware of the test results and the associated risks of the infection, and both mother and baby should have been given antibiotics.

The trust admitted failings, with the High Court approving a £15m compensation care package at a hearing in London.

Simpson Millar said the settlement would fund his "ongoing and future" medical care such as surgeries and therapy, specialist educational assistance tailored to his needs, as well as equipment and modifications to support his mobility and independence.

The boy's mother said she was "relieved" to get the help to "allow [her] son to live as normal a life as possible" despite his injuries.

Kelly Withers, who led the case, said: "The injuries he sustained due to the failure in medical care have had profound and lasting impact on his life and the lives of his family members, but this outcome means they are now able to focus on the future."

Marie Forshaw, acting executive director of nursing, midwifery, allied health professionals and quality at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said: "We are truly sorry that the care received by this young man and his family fell below the standard he was entitled to expect and for the long-term impact both he and his family have suffered as a result."