£9MILLION PAY-OUT TO GIRL AFTER HOSPITAL BLUNDER

Toddler had legs amputated after being sent home from A&E

The NHS will pay £9 million compensation to a little girl who had both legs amputated after twice being sent home from Peterborough District Hospital’s A&E with a dangerous infection.

The girl, then just nine months old, lost both limbs after the streptococcus bug developed into septicaemia, the High Court heard. Her anxious parents initially took her to a GP in 2006 after she “developed feverish symptoms,” said Mr Justice Foskett.

They later took her twice to A&E at Peterborough District Hospital, but she was sent home both times, he added.

And, by the time the bacterial infection was treated, septicaemia had set it in and it was too late to save her from double amputation.

The family’s lawyers sued Peterborough & Stamford Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which has since become part of the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust.

And on Monday the trust’s barrister, Martin Porter QC, agreed to a full and final settlement of the youngster’s case.

He apologised on the trust’s behalf for the “failures of care that took place” and expressed “admiration” for the way the girl has coped with her disabilities.

As well as a £4.7 million lump sum, she will receive payments to cover the costs of her care for life which will add up to £9 million.

Approving the payout, the judge said the double amputation would have “devastating consequences” throughout the girl’s life. She is likely to need a wheelchair in her later years. The trust had “admitted liability some years ago,” but the final settlement had only been agreed after “difficult and protracted negotiations”.

The girl cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The trust confirmed it had agreed the court settlement.