A judge has approved a settlement after a baby suffered injuries during birth at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust [NUH] following an "alleged delay" in the care of the baby's mother. Deputy High Court judge Karen Ridge said the settlement reached between lawyers representing the boy, who is now two, and NUH - which is currently at the centre of a review into maternity services.
The judge said there had been “alleged delay” in care of the baby’s mother and approved the terms of the agreement at a High Court hearing in London on Tuesday, June 28 and said the boy cannot be identified in media reports of the case. NHS England said in May that Donna Ockenden has been appointed chairwoman of a review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
A barrister representing the boy said the extent of his injuries had “yet to be ascertained”. But Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel QC said he is likely to have “quite severe” brain damage.
A barrister representing the trust told Judge Ridge hospital bosses are “very sorry” the boy was injured. Richard Booth QC said the baby’s mother went through a “truly awful” time.
A spokeswoman for law firm Fieldfisher, which is representing the boy, said after the hearing: “Negotiations took place at a round table meeting in early June, where agreement was reached.” She said a separate sum was negotiated to “compensate” the boy’s mother for injuries she suffered.
The spokeswoman said issues were “resolved” without an “admission of liability” by the trust. She said damages will be assessed when the boy is old enough to undergo further investigations.
The spokeswoman said the family was represented by lawyer Arti Shah, who represented a number of families who had experience of maternity units at Nottingham City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre.
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