Millions for drug overdose girl

The award totalled £2.3m

A 16-year-old girl who suffered brain damage as a baby following a hospital blunder has been awarded £2.3m by the High Court.

Laura Stevens developed cerebral palsy at two months old after a stay in hospital to treat a chest infection.

It was not until nine years later that her GP realised that the brain injury did not result from the seriousness of the infection, but from a medical mistake.

In fact, a doctor at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill had given her a massive overdose of Valium.

At the High Court on Wednesday, East Surrey Health Authority agreed to pay £2,305, 235 in compensation.

Mr Justice Sachs told Laura's parents, John and Jacqueline Stevens, of Reigate, Surrey: "What happened all those years ago represents a massive tragedy not only for Laura but for all the family.

"Once again, this case has shown the heroism that the parents of badly-damaged parents display."

The dose of Valium given to Laura was two-and-a-half times the usual dose for a baby in her condition.

Health authority apology

She stopped breathing and later suffered a cardiac arrest. As well as cerebral palsy, she suffers from epilepsy.

For years, the family accepted that the brain injury was a side-effect of the severity of the infection.

Raymond Croxon, QC, told the court: "They were just glad to have their daughter alive.

"The hospital must have known something, but did not disclose it to the parents."

Once legal proceedings were finally launched, the health authority admitted liability.

Its counsel apologised to the parents on the health authority's behalf.

After the hearing, Mrs Stevens said: "We are really pleased it is all over. We just wanted to let people know that there was a mistake made here."