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Darent Valley Hospital trust to pay £12 million after complications at birth left girl severely disabled

A girl left severely disabled after medics at a Kent hospital failed to spot danger signs at birth has won a £12 million payout.

Now eight, her delivery at Darent Valley Hospital in 2010 was delayed and she was starved of oxygen, the High Court heard.

Her lawyers sued Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust which admitted liability and apologised for the unacceptable standard of care.

The girl was born at Darent Valley in 2010
The girl was born at Darent Valley in 2010

Mr Justice Martin Spencer said the girl's payout is expected to be worth about £12 million over her lifetime.

She will receive a £3.7 million up front and get tax-free annual payments to cover the costs of her care for life.

Those payments will start at £280,000 a year, before rising to £297,500 a year in 2028 and to £330,000 a year in 2029.

NHS counsel, Michael Horne QC, said liability for the girl's injuries was admitted at an early stage and the trust's chief executive had apologised.

He added: "The trust apologises unreservedly that the care provided fell below an acceptable standard and caused this tragedy."

The trust must pay £12 million
The trust must pay £12 million

He paid tribute to the girl's parents and wider family for the "dedicated and unstinging care" they had given her.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Spencer described the girl's disabilities as "profound".

Her vision is severely impaired, she suffers from epilepsy, has to be fed through a tube and has no independent mobility.

He added: "The devotion and care lavished upon by her parents has been absolutely awe-inspiring.

"It has enabled her to fulfill her life within the limits of her disabilities."

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