More than £6 million compensation for 10-year-old who was left brain damaged following hospital blunders

A 10-year-old boy has won more than £6million in NHS compensation following blunders by Bassetlaw District General Hospital midwives in the days after his birth.
Bradley Albans.Bradley Albans.
Bradley Albans.

Bradley Albans, from Retford, suffered devastating brain damage due to failings in his neo-natal care after his May 2005 delivery, London’s High Court heard.

His barrister, Sally Hatfield QC, told the court he suffered a “severe and enduring brain injury.”

Midwives at the hospital ‘failed to take any action’ although there were clear signs that he was ‘dangerously unwell’, Bradley’s legal team said.

They claimed the damage was caused by low blood sugar levels, hypoglycaemia, a problem which could have been easily dealt with if midwives had acted in time.

Bradley is gravely physically disabled, has learning difficulties and epilepsy and will be dependent on others for the rest of his life.

He will never be able to live independently or hold down a job.

Mr Justice Garnham said today (Monday, November 16) that it was “impossible to read the medical reports” without feeling “enormous sympathy” for Bradley and his parents.

He praised Rachel and Wayne Albans, who had dedicated their lives to caring for their son.

The judge said he had “no hesitation” in approving the settlement, which is worth more than £6m.

As well as a lump sum, Bradley will receive index-linked and tax-free payments to cover the costs of his care for life.

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted liability for Bradley’s injuries at an early stage, said NHS counsel, Margaret Bowron QC.

Margaret Bowron QC said: “This young man has shown enormous fortitude and resolve in dealing with the adversity life has thrown at him,”

Speaking after the hearing, Rachel Albans, 33, said: “Finding out Bradley’s brain damage was due to poor care was extremely distressing and we have faced some difficult times.

“We are very keen that lessons are learned to ensure that other babies in the same situation get the care that they urgently need.”

Eddie Jones, the family’s solicitor, added: “There appeared to be a lack of awareness of the signs of hypoglycaemia and the risk this can pose to the child.

“That is a totally unacceptable failure in basic care by the trust and it is important that this is recognised so that lessons can be learned to minimise the risk of a tragic reoccurrence.”