Man who suffered catastrophic brain injury at Lister Hospital awarded 5million compensation – Hertfordshire Mercury

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A man who suffered a catastrophic brain injury after blunders during treatment at a Stevenage hospital will receive 5million in NHS compensation.

The man, who is in his 50s, was injured when his tracheostomy tube was being changed at the Lister Hospital in 2011.

His brain was deprived of oxygen and he suffered a massive heart attack.

The man was left with cognitive brain damage and needs full-time care, appropriate housing and equipment, his barrister Simon Taylor QC told London's High Court.

His lawyers sued East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, for damages.

READ MORE: 17million compensation for girl left with brain damage following birth at Lister Hospital

The NHS trust agreed to pay him a lump-sum of 2.475million and to make index-linked and tax-free annual payments, starting at 240,000, to settle the case.

John Whitting QC apologised on behalf of the trust, saying 'the care which he received was not of the standard he was entitled to expect and for this we are genuinely sorry'.

The QC hoped the pay-out would 'at least provide some security to him' for the rest of his life.

Approving the settlement, Judge Richard Pearce described it as being in the man's 'best interests'.

The judge thanked the man's sister and rest of his family for 'what they have done to assist' him.

The man's lawyers confirmed outside court that the total settlement was worth 5million.

Given the man's vulnerability, the judge ordered that nothing must be published that might identify him.

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Man who suffered catastrophic brain injury at Lister Hospital awarded 5million compensation - Hertfordshire Mercury