A TEENAGER born to a life of acute disability due to a negligent delay in his delivery at Withybush hospital will receive millions in NHS compensation.

Hywel Dda University Health Board issued a public apology for failings in care at Withybush that led to the boy's injuries.

And it agreed to pay him a lump sum of £8,950,000, plus substantial, index-linked, annual sums to cover the costs of the constant care he will always need.

The judge, Mr Justice Stewart, told London's High Court there was a negligent delay in delivering the boy by Caesarean section in 2006.

His mother suffered a ruptured uterus and her baby's brain was damaged by oxygen starvation, resulting in cerebral palsy.

He has learning difficulties and mild epilepsy and needs to live in a one-storey, wheelchair-accessible, home, the court heard.

"He vocalises a lot, and some of this has meaning, but he will always be dependent on others for his most basic needs," the judge added.

The health board admitted liability in full for the boy's injuries and a final settlement of his medical negligence claim was on Tuesday, May 5, approved by the judge.

Together with the lump sum, he will receive annual payments of £174,000, rising to £270,000 in 2024.

Those payments will continue for the rest of his life.

Experts predict that he will live to the age of 70, although all involved in the case hoped that was an under-estimate.

NHS counsel, Michael Horne QC, said: "The health board apologises unreservedly for the fact that the care fell below the expected standards.

"It is deeply sorry, lessons have been learned and the health board has written directly to the family."

Praising the "outstanding level of care" given to the boy by his parents, the barrister said: "They have done all they can to help him achieve his potential and we pay tribute to them for that."

Approving the settlement, the judge said: "I am satisfied that a proper and professional assessment has been made."

He concluded: "It is clear just how much loving care has been given to him by his parents who have worked together for the common good.

"I hope that this settlement will enable the claimant and his family to enjoy as full a life as possible in the knowledge that his needs will always be catered for."

 

The court ordered that nothing must be published that might tend to identify the claimant in this case or members of his family.