An eight-year-old girl who was left severely brain damaged at birth following blunders by maternity staff was today awarded £8.75m at London's High Court.
Darcie Hooper was born at St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, on March 16, 2003, having been starved of oxygen in the womb, due to clinical staff missing vital signs on monitoring equipment indicating foetal distress.
The 'affectionate' little girl suffers from tetraplegic cerebral palsy as a result of her birth injuries and will be dependent upon others for the rest of her life.
Her mother Janet Hooper sued Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust on behalf of Darcie. The Trust admitted liability for her tragic injuries at an early stage, and have released funds to the family in a series of interim payments.
Today Mrs Justice Cox approved the final settlement of her claim, which consists of a £4.2m lump sum, plus annual, index-linked and tax-free payments, bringing the total value of the settlement to around £8.75m.
Neil Block QC, representing the Trust, today apologised to the family for what happened to Darcie.
'I would like to take the opportunity to apologise - it is a matter of profound regret that Darcie was so gravely injured and also the circumstances that led to that injury, and we apologise to the family for the mistakes that were made,' he said.
'We hope that some assurance has been given that such mistakes will not be made in the future,' he added.
'Clearly money cannot ever replace what Darcie and her family would most wish to be replaced, but at least this settlement will provide for her financial future, and her parents will know that her future is secure, in terms of care and accommodation.'
The judge, giving her seal to the agreement, said: 'I approve this settlement - I have no doubt it is in this young person's best interests.
'It is clear that Darcie is an affectionate little girl and had clearly benefited from all the input she has received to date, and that is in no small part due to the efforts of her parents,' she concluded.
In a statement outside court, the family's solicitor, Alison McClure, said: 'This is an excellent settlement for Darcie, which will provide the help and assistance that she will need for the rest of her life.
'Her parents are delighted, and are now able to move forward with confidence in caring for their daughter.'
source.dailymail.co.uk
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