A FAMILY has won a £5 million payout from Harefield Hospital for clinical negligence which left a youngster brain damaged.

Robbie Crane, now 12, of Hemel Hempstead, was admitted to the hospital in Hill End Road, Harefield in October 1999 suffering heart complications.

It was noticed when he was a few days old that he was blue, because of transposition of the blood vessels to and from his heart. He underwent surgery to correct the defect which was successful.

But the High Court heard that after the operation there were 15 hours during which Robbie’s blood became highly alkaline, as a result of low carbon dioxide levels because ventilators were not properly adjusted to accommodate his condition. During this period he suffered significant brain damage, resulting in hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, learning difficulties, behavioural problems and epilepsy. Today he has no sense of danger, and will need round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.

His home will require modification and he will never be able to manage his own affairs or earn his own living – despite a life expectancy of 75.

On Monday, October 31, the court awarded the family the payment for Robbie’s continuing care. His parents, Catherine and Barry, said: “We almost can’t believe that we’ve actually won this compensation for Robbie, as we were told on a number of occasions that we stood no chance.”