Background: Our client was urgently admitted to Grimsby Maternity Hospital after being diagnosed with toxaemia. She was given Valium and induced into labour with three doses of Syntocinon, exceeding the standard practice of two doses. Following a traumatic birth, her daughter, Natalie, was delivered with forceps and immediately taken to the special neonatal care unit due to health concerns, where she stayed for 19 days.
Early Challenges: When Natalie was brought home, her parents sensed something was wrong. She had difficulty feeding and cried constantly. A specialist assessment at Grimsby Hospital revealed that Natalie had cerebral palsy and several other disabilities. As Natalie grew, her needs increased, prompting her parents to seek professional care.
Finding the Right Care: After an extensive search, the family found Stonecroft House, a Leonard Cheshire Home, to be the most suitable care facility for Natalie. Despite initial funding challenges, they secured the necessary support, and Natalie began her residential placement.
Legal Support: At a local Cerebral Palsy Society meeting, our client met Neil Holland from SJP Law. Years later, she approached Neil to discuss a potential clinical negligence case against the NHS and maternity staff. Her detailed journals documenting Natalie’s medical history proved invaluable in building the case.
Legal Battle: The case took six years to resolve, with the defending side weakening in the final years. SJP Law secured a substantial award to support Natalie’s lifetime needs. The funds were placed with the Court of Protection, but accessing the money proved challenging due to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.
Transition to a Trust: Frustrated with the delays, the family switched the management of the award to a trust set up with SJP Law. This decision provided immediate access to funds and resolved the issues associated with the Office of Public Guardian. Neil, as the main trustee, ensured the correct management of the award, offering long-term confidence and peace of mind.
Ongoing Support: The trust allowed for the investment of capital, employment law advice, property advice, and payroll processing for Natalie’s carers. The comprehensive support from SJP Law enabled the family to focus on enjoying their time with Natalie without worrying about financial and care management.
