Ciaran Dill

A seven-year-old boy left with devastating brain injuries due to hospital mismanagement of his birth is to receive a multimillion-pound compensation settlement from the NHS.

Ciaran Dill, of Alder Crescent, Luton, suffered permanent brain damage during delays in his birth at Luton and Dunstable Hospital in 2004.

The High Court approved a compensation payout of a lump sum of £2.1m.

Ciaran will also receive annual six-figure payments.

This will cover the costs of the care he will need for the rest of his life.

David Westcott QC, for Ciaran, told the court insufficient attention was paid to a heart monitor during the labour of Ciaran’s mother, Jennifer Dill, in July 2004.

‘Great regret’

He said the negligence meant Ciaran’s birth was delayed by nearly an hour, during which he was starved of oxygen.

Ciaran is now unable to walk or talk and will need 24-hour care for as long as he lives.

The Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust admitted liability for his injuries.

Neil Block QC, for trust, told the court: “I would like to apologise to Ciaran, and in particular his mother and father.

“It is a matter of great regret that we come to court in circumstances where a mistake was made which has resulted in such grievous harm to Ciaran.”

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Eady, sitting at London’s Royal Courts of Justice, also paid tribute to Ciaran’s parents, and said he hoped the money would give them peace of mind.

He told the court: “It is clear from what I have seen that Ciaran is fortunate in one respect at least, and that is in the devoted care he has received from his parents and family over so many years.”