Family secures funding after Warwick Hospital blunder

In 2004 Jack Dyer, now seven, was born at Warwick Hospital but severe delays in his delivery left his brain starved of oxygen, ultimately leaving him with severe brain damage, partially sighted, suffering from cerebral palsy and a number of life changing injuries which have left him unable to stand, walk or talk.

With no independent mobility Jack, who now lives with his parents, and younger brothers in Worcester, will never be able to work or live independently and will require 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

In January 2010 the hospital admitted that there had been an unacceptable delay in Jack’s delivery.

But the family say that despite South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust accepting full responsibility for the tragedy they were forced to continue their fight for justice until finally, just days before the case was due to be heard in court, the trust also agreed a settlement that would fund the care package Jack needs.

Parents Sharon and Dale, who lived in Honeybourne, Evesham, when Jack was born said: “Even though we are pleased with the final outcome of this long battle we will not be celebrating as the last seven years have been a real struggle.

“We will just concentrate on providing for Jack’s future care and needs. Although the case has now been settled in Jack’s favour it means he now has the security and support he will require for the rest of his life.”

Mrs Dyer added: “I feel really let down by the maternity ward team who were supposed to take care of Jack and myself. I trusted them and their mistakes are something which my son now has to live with for the rest of his life.”

A trust spokesman said: “The maternity unit at Warwick Hospital has made a number of improvements in the last seven years. It was also one of the 12 successful applications to take part in the Kings Fund Safer Births project which is focused on supporting front line staff to implement continuous improvements to the safety of maternity services.”

Jennifer Emerson of Irwin Mitchell, who represented the family, said: “I hope the family can now look forward to the future and that the compensation awarded to Jack ensures he has access to the very best care he needs to live as normal a life as possible in spite of his injuries in a specially adapted home with his parents and two younger brothers.”