A young girl has been awarded a substantial compensation settlement after errors by two hospitals at the time of her birth left her severely disabled.

Louisa Ravouvou, 10, had suffered a bleed on the brain whilst still in her mother’s womb. Staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford failed to provide the correct treatment and Mrs Ravouvou remained in the hospital for a week. When a decision was taken to deliver her baby, there were no Special Care beds available, so she was transferred to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. Although the hospital had been advised that the baby was likely to be anaemic, no blood transfusion was provided immediately after the birth, which resulted in severe damage to the baby’s brain.

Louisa now requires around-the-clock care and has a much reduced life expectancy.

The NHS Trusts involved admitted that they had failed in their duty of care with regard to the treatment of Louisa’s anaemia but denied that the bleed to her brain was the cause of her injuries until a settlement was reached shortly before the case was due to be heard. The High Court has now approved a compensation package worth around £5 million.

The money will help provide for Louisa’s needs, which include specialised accommodation and a team of carers to look after her and provide a stimulating environment for her.