£7.5 million compensation for girl, 8, who faces lifetime of disability after negligence during her birth at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital

The girl was starved of oxygen during her birth at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital in November 2007 and developed a brain injury as a result, which has left her visually impaired and with learning difficulties.

The £7.5m settlement from the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, agreed just weeks before a quantum trial was due to take place to settle the matter, will pay for the specialist treatment and care the girl will require for the rest of her life.

The trust admitted liability to medical negligence lawyers representing the girl’s family four years ago, and has also publicly apologised.

A trust spokeswoman said yesterday: “The trust fully appreciates the distress to the girl and her family caused by her disabilities.

“While no financial award can properly recompense her or her family, it is hoped that the agreement approved today will ensure that she has access to the support and assistance she will require now and into the future.

“The trust would wish to repeat the apology it has previously made to the girl and her family, and will ensure that suitable lessons are learnt.”

Christopher Gibson QC acted as the girl’s barrister at the High Court yesterday.

Kate Major, the girl’s solicitor, said: “This little girl’s family have shown an amazing level of dedication and support to ensure their daughter has the best possible care, but she needs 24-hour care and specialist rehabilitation services and education to ensure she reaches her full potential.

“We are pleased to have this settlement for her and her family, as they now have the financial security and reassurance that the costs for her future treatment will be met.

“We hope that lessons are learnt by the hospital and their staff so that patient safety in this situation can be improved and each and every patient receives the best quality of care at all times.”