Hospital payout to help care for Alfie after midwives' error left son disabled

The sum will ensure Alfie Johnson is able to receive the specialist round-the-clock care he needs for the rest of his life.

Alfie's brain was starved of oxygen during labour after midwives at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital missed signs that the baby was in distress. Labour was allowed to continue with Alfie in significant danger.

His parents Paul and Vickie, from Amblecote, Stourbridge, who have since gone on to campaign for children with disabilities, spoke of their relief that Alfie's future care has been secured.

They were awarded the compensation package at the High Court in London on Thursday. The exact figure they received has not been disclosed.

Mr Johnson said: "It's a relief to get to this point and it means Alfie's needs will be met for the rest of his life.

"We are grateful that (solicitors) JMW obtained an admission of negligence from the trust and we were able to agree a settlement out of court but in a sense it is a bitter sweet end to the case because all this was avoidable. Alfie was a healthy baby before Vickie went into hospital and that's something I think about a lot. He was our first child and it was such a traumatic introduction to becoming a parent."

During his birth, labour was allowed to progress as Alfie's brain was being starved of oxygen. He was later born with severe brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy.

The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Russells Hall, admitted the failures in 2011 and apologised to the family.

The Friends of Alfie Johnson charity was set up in 2009 and supports children with disabilities in Stourbridge and the surrounding area. The charity comprises of family and friends who are all volunteers.

Mr Johnson said: "He is a remarkable little boy and we've pulled together as a family and remain a strong unit. I just want to say to other parents who are in the same situation not to give up hope. Bringing a case against a hospital is not an easy journey but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are so grateful to have had specialist advice from JMW because it was through them that we uncovered just how many mistakes had been made."

Trust chief executive Paula Clark, said: "The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is pleased that the agreement reached between the parties has been approved by the court.

"The circumstances surrounding Alfie's birth on November 11, 2007 have been investigated extensively and a full admission of liability was made in August 2011 at the conclusion of those investigations.

"We have previously provided a full apology to Alfie's family following the admission but would like to take the opportunity to reiterate that we are truly sorry for the injury Alfie suffered at birth and we are pleased that a settlement has been reached which we hope will go some way to meeting Alfie's future needs. We wish Alfie and his family all the best for the future."