Hospital to pay millions after botched birth

A BOY who was left blind, mentally-handicapped and wheelchair-bound by the hospital mismanagement of his mother’s labour has won a multi-million pound compensation settlement.

Margate’s Oliver Lehan, now four years old, has been left with a mental age of just six weeks after midwives at Thanet hospital failed to respond properly to problems during his mother Candy’s delivery.

At a hearing on Monday (December 15), Oliver was awarded a lump sum of more than £770,000 plus annual early payments of £135,000, increasing to £250,000.

Oliver’s mother Candy said: “I am so happy that Oliver’s case has been settled.  We can now begin to look to the future rather than keep looking back.”

Candy, who was  44 at the time of the birth, was given an emergency caesarean section almost nearly three hours after she was  admitted to the maternity ward at Thanet hospital in June 2004.

In that time midwives failed to respond to his abnormal heart rate which showed he was receiving insufficient oxygen.

Candy said: “I can still barely believe the errors that were made at the hospital, particularly by the midwife who, I understand, is still delivering babies.

“It was just one failing after another after another. I would like to think no other expectant mother would be treated as I was but you can’t be sure.

“I hope that Oliver’s misfortune means that Margate hospital is a safer place for other babies to be born.

“While it may seem as though he has won a huge amount of money, no amount can begin to compensate him for his condition and every penny is needed to meet Oliver’s complex needs.

“We would give it all up to have Oliver well and healthy.  He requires care 24 hours a day and needs a properly-adapted home.”

Doctors said Oliver would not live for more than a month, but now believe he will live to see his teens. die during his teens.

The case was overseen by His Honour Judge Simpkiss at Canterbury District Registry, who said: “It is hard to imagine more serious injuries.” 

Speaking after the hearing, Oliver’s solicitor Darren Tamplin, of Fairweathers in Canterbury, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to achieve this settlement for Oliver.

“All of the costly specialist equipment that Oliver needs can now be purchased for him.

“To protect Oliver's financial interests for the remainder of his life, a further specialist solicitor has been appointed his professional ‘deputy’.

“He will control Oliver’s financial affairs under the supervision of the Court of Protection ensuring that all money spent is only done so carefully, on essential items and in Oliver’s best interests.  I wish him and Candy all the very best for the future.”

An NHS spokesman said: “The Trust deeply regrets the injuries suffered by Oliver and would like to take this opportunity to repeat our apology. to the family.

“We are delighted this agreement which we worked out with them has now been formalised by Judge Simpkiss in the High Court and that Mrs Lehan will now be able to concentrate on caring for her son.

“The settlement award should ensure that any additional financial needs Oliver may have as a result of these injuries are taken care of for the rest of his life.”