A 20 year old woman who was only a week old when she was infected with
Listeria while at the
William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent will receive £3.9 million compensation.
She was being cared for after her birth at the hospital when she was cross infected with
Listeria from another baby. She developed
meningitis which caused
brain damage. The infection also caused fluid to build up around her brain (hydrocephalus) which was not diagnosed until a year later.
The level of
brain damage means that she now functions at the level of a 5/6 year old girl, having severe learning difficulties and a range of physical problems.
In December 2004 the Health Authority admitted liability for the failures in their care.
They admitted:
- failing to recognise the risk of cross infection with listeriosis
- failing to recognise she was infected with Listeria and then to treat her
- failing to diagnose and treat the hydrocephalus.
The case was due to go to court to decide the level of compensation but a settlement was reached on the morning of the court appearance.
She will receive £3.9 million and her legal costs will be paid. The level of compensation reflects the considerable amount of care she will need for the rest of her life.
She was represented by clinical negligence solicitor
Russell Levy who is head of the Clinical Negligence department at Leigh Day & Co.
For more information please call 020 7650 1291.
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