A BOY who developed cerebral palsy as a result of medical negligence during his birth has received a cash settlement from Poole Hospital after it admitted the blunder.

Bosses agreed there were "failings in the standard of care" provided to Liz Whittington when she gave birth to son Paul at the hospital in 1991.

A delay in delivering the baby, now 13, led to complications which have left him with the condition that causes problems with his speech, limbs and mobility, although he is able to attend mainstream school.

Solicitor John Andrews, a partner at Wimborne-based Steele Raymond, acting for Mrs Whittington and her husband Keith, who live in the Poole area, said he could not confirm the amount of the settlement, which was agreed at the High Court in Winchester on Tuesday October 5. But he added: "The hospital admitted negligence so a settlement was agreed and approved by the court.

"The family do not wish to criticise the hospital. They are pleased that they accepted negligence and have issued an apology and that a settlement was reached."

A hospital spokeswoman said: "Poole Hospital NHS Trust very much regrets the failings in the standard of care provided to Mrs Whittington and to Paul at the time of Paul's birth in 1991.

"Following a detailed investigation into the circumstances giving rise to this claim, the Health Authority made an admission of liability. They and the hospital have offered their sincerest apologies to Paul and his family."

First published: October 7