A BOY is to receive a £16million payout after midwifery staff at Southampton hospitals 'failed to recognise and treat neonatal hypoglycaemia', leaving the youngster with complex brain damages.

The child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was born in a good condition in 2005 at Southampton’s Princess Anne Hospital.

But he has been left with complex neurological injuries, including epilepsy, visual and mobility problems, as well as learning and behavioural issues, after University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust delayed providing treatment to monitor his poor feeding and manage his low blood sugar levels shortly after his birth.

Now, after an approval hearing held today in the High Court, the NHS Trust has agreed to a settlement of £16.45 million.

The money will help provide care for the rest of the boy’s life and pay for vital equipment and therapies.

Justine Spencer, the specialist medical negligence partner at Irwin Mitchell, who represented the boy and his family, said: “While we are pleased with the outcome of today’s hearing, no amount of money can ever compensate for the severe and lifelong injuries my client has suffered.

"I hope that lessons are learnt from the mistakes that were made in this case in order to improve patient safety in the future.”

Irwin Mitchell confirmed the child was born in a good condition but over the next 24 hours his mum raised concerns about his feeding to staff.

However, his falling blood sugar levels were not identified until a test was carried out following several requests for help.

By that time the boy was ill and was taken to the neo-natal intensive care unit at Princess Anne Hospital, where he spent 15 days.

The boy, who is expected to live until 80, will now require 24 hour assistance and supervision, as well as a structured care plan throughout his life.

His mum said: “He is wonderful and affectionate young man who despite having awareness of his disability, never lets it define him.

“While the last few years have been extremely hard for us all as a family, we try to lead as normal a life as possible and do the things any family would enjoy.

“However, we feel angry and let down by the level of care that our son received. Despite raising concerns about our son struggling to feed, we felt we were just ignored until it was too late. Our son’s injuries and the stress and heartache we have gone through could have been avoided if action had been taken sooner.

“While nothing can make up for the failures that led to our son’s condition, we are relieved that he is now guaranteed to receive the lifetime of care he so desperately needs.

“We just hope that no other family has to go through the suffering we have been through and that lessons have been truly learnt’’.

A spokesman for University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said: “We hope the substantial damages awarded in this case will help to ensure the patient receives the care and support he requires throughout his lifetime and enables him to live as independently as possible.

“A detailed apology was provided to the family some time ago which set out the steps that have been taken since the incident in 2005 to prevent a similar tragedy occurring again and we wish the family the best for the future.”