Millions of pounds is to be paid out to compensate a child who suffered brain damage after a catastrophic fall in blood sugar levels within days of his birth.
A trial at the High Court heard how the boy, who has cerebral palsy, now suffers from “global and severe developmental delay”. He also has a type of epilepsy which is drug-resistant and all his health conditions means he requires 24-hour care.
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In addition, the child’s learning difficulties are significant and he is unable to communicate, verbally or otherwise, and his vision is severely impaired.
Medics at the Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust have been accused of failing to recognise the potential consequences of the child’s reluctance to feed which led to his collapse due to hypoglycaemia.
The Trust has admitted liability and agreed to settle his medical negligence claim.
Michael Horne QC, who represented the NHS organisation apologised on behalf of the Trust and it has been agreed that the boy will receive a lump sum of £2.7m. Annual, tax-free payments will also be sent to him for the rest of his life to cover his care.
Mr Justice Freedman, who approved the financial settlement, said medics were alleged to have failed to recognise the tell-tale signs of hypoglycaemia.
Mr Horne QC paid tribute to the boy’s family and said the money would help the child “maximise his experiences of the world around him”.
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Adam Korn, who represented the boy said it was hoped the money would help meet all his needs and he would live to “a ripe old age”.
A spokesperson for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“The Trust apologises to the family in this case who have conducted themselves with dignity throughout. We have admitted liability and agreed a financial settlement with the family. We are pleased to have reached this settlement and we sincerely hope that it will help the family to live as comfortable and fulfilling a life as possible given the circumstances.”
