Mother: compensation will secure my son's future

A mother from Lincoln has spoken exclusively to Calendar about her son receiving one of the biggest ever payouts for medical negligence.

After months of deliberations, it was decided that United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust must pay nearly £15 million because of mistakes made during Suzanne Adams' son's birth.

It led to him being starved of oxygen and needing care for his entire life.

James Robshaw from Lincoln was born with cerebral palsy. Mistakes made at Lincoln County Hospital during his birth led to them being ordered last week to pay £14.5 million in compensation. It's one of the largest amounts of money to be paid out in a medical negligence case and will make all the difference to his family.

Suzanne says that what should have simply been a wonderful day was spoiled by avoidable mistakes which led him being starved of oxygen.

In a statement United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust says it is "...deeply sorry for what happened and for the impact this has had upon James and his family.

"We are pleased that the court has approved the final details of the settlement and we hope that this will provide reassurance that James' care needs will be met in the future".

Suzanne described James as an amazing young man, happy and enthusiastic about life in general. Some of the money will go towards a purpose built home for him and two full time carers throughout the day. While no-one can rectify the mistakes of the past life, the money should help make life easier for both of them in the future.