The family of a six-year-old girl left brain-damaged at birth has accepted £28 million in damages after an NHS trust admitted negligence. Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust failed to monitor the baby's heart rate during labour or consult an obstetrician, leading to severe oxygen deprivation at Queen's Hospital in Romford in July 2019.
The girl now has epilepsy, unpredictable seizures, and is expected to lose mobility. She requires lifelong care for cognitive and language impairments and constant supervision due to a lack of danger awareness. The settlement, reached out of court, reflects the high cost of care and an estimated life expectancy of 83 years.
The mother called for urgent reform of maternity care, stating: 'My daughter is thriving, but I was robbed of the precious experience of giving birth by the horror of what happened.' She remains affected by repeated reports of tragedies at the trust despite government promises and reviews.
Two major reviews are due this month: Donna Ockenden's inquiry into Nottingham maternity services and Valerie Amos's government-commissioned review of childbirth services. Health Secretary James Murray described listening to parents' stories as 'horrific' and pledged 'comprehensive reform' of maternity care.
Blunders in maternity care account for 11% of NHS negligence claims but 53% of their value, due to catastrophic injuries. The £28m payout is not the largest; a 2020 case involving Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust cost £37m. The trust's chief nurse, Nic Kane, apologised and said lessons have been learned, with the maternity department now rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission.
