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£11m payout for teenager who suffered brain damage after negligent operation

A teenager who suffered 'catastrophic' brain damage after a negligent operation at Walsall Manor is to receive a £11.5 million payout from the NHS.

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Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust agreed to the huge settlement after making a full admission of liability.

The boy, who is aged 17, underwent a surgical procedure at the hospital in 2006.

But due to an anaesthetic accident during surgery, he now needs round-the-clock care from his family.

John Foy QC, who represented the teenager, said the deal includes a lump sum as well as index-linked and tax-free payments to cover the costs of his care.

The package will have a 'capitalised value' of more than £11.5m over his lifetime, London's High Court heard.

Paul Rees QC, for the NHS, said a letter of apology had been sent to the boy's family by the trust's chief executive in 2009.

"I repeat that apology today," he told Mr Justice Dingemans.

"I pay tribute to all the boy's family. They all deserve a public acknowledgement of the efforts they have made."

And, on the trust's behalf, Mr Rees said he hoped the compensation would give the boy's family 'peace of mind for the future'.

Approving the settlement, the judge expressed his 'admiration for all that the boy's parents have done for him'.

In a statement released today Mr Amir Khan, medical director at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: "The Trust always endeavours to provide the highest quality of care to all of its patients. We would like to take this opportunity to apologise once again for the level of care provided on this occasion.

"This was unacceptable and fell well below our aim to provide a consistently first class experience to those who use our services."

It follows a case in September when the family of 30-year-old Andrew Raybould from Walsall,who 'died in agony' after medics failed to diagnose his conditions three times, received an out-of-court settlement from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

Bus driver Mr Raybould died after suffering from severe pancreatitis, sepsis and multi-organ failure at Walsall Manor Hospital in February 2012.

Medical negligence experts Irwin Mitchell represented the family and secured an undisclosed out-of-court settlement.

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