Harrogate brain damaged boy awarded nearly £10m

A six-year-old boy who suffered brain damage at birth as a result of medical staff errors has been awarded nearly £10m in compensation.

Kit van Berckel, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was diagnosed with dyskinetic cerebral palsy shortly after his birth in 2008.

Harrogate NHS Foundation Trust had admitted a delay in delivery caused him neurological injuries.

It also apologised for failings in the standard of care offered to the family.

Kit's mother, Joanna van Berckel was admitted to Harrogate Hospital 10 days over her due date, in May 2008.

However, medical staff failed to recognise the baby was suffering distress for a prolonged period of time during delivery.

Kit van Berckel was born with no heartbeat and needed resuscitating.

The brain damage he suffered led to him being diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Mrs van Berckel said: "We were devastated and heartbroken when we found out that Kit's condition could have been avoided if mistakes had not been made during his delivery.

"Kit is a bright, cheerful and lively boy who continues to amaze us with his energy, positive attitude and determination."

He is unable to sit without help, has no independent mobility, cannot feed himself and is unable to speak.

The settlement of £9.872m, approved at Leeds High Court, will provide provide him with lifelong care and rehabilitation.

Harrogate NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement the settlement had been "amicably" agreed.

Charles van Berckel, Kit's father, said: "A cloud is lifted and the future is bright for ourselves, Kit and his brothers."