Mother Awarded £10m in Legal Battle Over Botched NHS Operation
A mother has finally received justice after a 12-year legal battle against an NHS hospital, where her child suffered brain damage due to a botched operation. The toddler, now a teenager, was left wheelchair-bound following the surgery at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in 2012, which resulted in oxygen deprivation. After years of fighting for compensation, a settlement has been reached between the NHS Litigation Authority and the family.
Compensation Details
While the total amount of compensation is still being finalized, an initial lump sum payment of £10.4m has been agreed upon, with additional yearly payments exceeding £400,000 to cover ongoing care costs. The overall damages could potentially reach £20m. The trust overseeing the Liverpool hospital has also issued an apology for the lapses in care that led to the child’s injuries.
The mother expressed her relief at the settlement, stating, “Ever since that day, my child has had to endure countless appointments, therapies, and medical interventions, which will continue for the rest of their life. I am constantly on edge and exhausted, unable to relax after what happened 12 years ago. Twelve years is an incredibly long time to wait for justice.”
Challenges of Seeking Compensation
The mother also highlighted the arduous process of seeking compensation for medical negligence, emphasizing the toll it takes on families. She remarked, “It takes years, and this prolonged timeline is unacceptable. Parents face immense challenges, with some resorting to drastic measures due to the prolonged legal battles. The emotional strain leads to broken marriages, mental health struggles, and fear of having more children. The quest for justice should not be this daunting.”
Financial Support for Ongoing Care
The substantial settlement will finance the teenager’s 24-hour care for the remainder of their life, covering education, specialized equipment, and therapies. Additionally, the compensation will facilitate the purchase of an adapted motorhome and the installation of a home hydrotherapy pool. The child’s identity remains protected by a court order, safeguarding their privacy and dignity.
Helen Lewis, principal lawyer at Slater and Gordon representing the family, emphasized the significance of the settlement, stating, “This family endured immense suffering due to medical negligence, and the compensation provides them with the assurance that their child will receive proper care for life. We fought tirelessly to secure this substantial settlement, ensuring the family can move forward after a harrowing ordeal.”
Apology and Improvements
A spokesperson for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital expressed regret for the care lapses in 2012 and emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance patient safety. The hospital stated, “We hope that the recent settlement brings comfort to the child and their family, providing the support necessary for their future well-being. We acknowledge the failings in care and have implemented changes to our systems and processes. Continuous learning and improvement are ongoing to elevate the standard of care we deliver.”
Subheadings:
Legal Battle for Compensation Impact on the Family Hospital Apology and Reforms
Hospital Apology and Reforms
In conclusion, the resolution of this long-standing legal battle underscores the importance of accountability in healthcare. The substantial compensation awarded to the family serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of medical negligence and the necessity for transparent and improved healthcare practices. As the family moves forward with the financial support secured, it is crucial for hospitals to prioritize patient safety and uphold the highest standards of care to prevent similar incidents in the future.
