£5M FOR CHILD BRAIN DAMAGED AT BIRTH

Trust ‘sorry’ over severe injury

A BOY has been awarded almost £5million in damages for a severe brain injury he suffered during birth.

The six-year-old’s family, from Co Derry, sued the Western Health and Social Care Trust for negligence over care at Altnagelvin Hospital in 2012.

The authority apologised but did not accept fault until just days before the trial at Belfast High Court last month.

After some consideration, Mr Justice Maguire yesterday approved a settlement of around £4.9million over the course of the boy’s life.

The payout is thought to be one of the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Solicitor Harry Mcaleese said the family are delighted and relieved at the outcome of the long-running case. He added: “This settlement will enable them to provide the necessary support and comfort for their child.”

The boy, who cannot be identified, will need roundthe-clock care for severe cerebral palsy caused by a lack

COURT YESTERDAY

of oxygen to his brain during delivery. A trust spokesman said it “deeply regrets” the care provided to the child when he was born.

They added the care “fell below acceptable standards and we sincerely apologise for this”.

The care fell well below standards and we sincerely apologise