Mum settles childbirth brain damage claim with NHS

The hospital's barrister praised the mother for the care she had provided for her child, who was now an adult

A hospital has agreed a settlement with a mum who claimed her child suffered brain damage around the time of their birth more than 20 years ago.

She made a negligence allegation and sued Southend University Hospital's governing NHS trust for damages.

Richard Cartwright, represented the woman, told the High Court that the Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust had accepted 90% liability.

The child had "significant disabilities", the court heard and Mr Cartwright said damages would now be assessed.

Barrister John Whitting KC, who represented the NHS trust, apologised on behalf of the hospital and praised the mum for the care she had provided.

Approving the settlement, Judge Nicholas Parfitt said the woman's child could not be identified in media reports.

Alex Field, medical director for the women's and children's division at Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our thoughts go out to the family involved in this historical case that happened over 20 years ago.

"The safety of women, birthing people and their babies is the first priority of our maternity service."

Earlier this month, another judge was told that a nine-year-boy who suffered brain damage following "mismanagement" during birth would get about £9m to cover the costs of lifelong care after lawyers representing him reached a settlement with the same NHS trust.

Deputy High Court Judge Jeremy Hyam had approved the agreement between the boy's family and the trust, at a High Court hearing.