£5.8million pay out after hospital blunder

9:56am Thursday 20th November 2008

A WINSFORD woman left badly brain damaged by a hospital blunder has been awarded £5.8million compensation.

Clair Simpson, who was born with a congenital heart defect, was just 11 months old when she underwent open heart surgery at The Royal Liverpool Hospital in December 1981.

Despite the operation being a success, the hospital failed to manage her post-op drug therapy correctly and a subsequent cardiac arrest left her with extensive brain damage.

Now 27, she requires round-the-clock care, and will be dependant on others for the rest of her life.

Mother Veronica Simpson, said: “No sum of money can ever compensate Clair and ourselves for what we have lost.”

Clair’s parents have so far dedicated their lives to caring for their daughter, but it is hoped that in the near future, the money will be used to pay for specialist carers who will look after her in the family home.

Lawyer Sue Taylor, who battled for the £5.83million reward from the North West Strategic Health Authority, said: “I am delighted that Clair’s claim has concluded satisfactorily. “I can pay tribute to the support and dedication of Clair’s parents who for the past 26 years have devoted themselves to the needs of their daughter in extremely difficult circumstances. “All those who know Clair and her family will be aware of the difficult challenges that her brain damage presents.

“It is expected that the award of damages will now at least provide the support that Clair will require for the rest of her life.”