The family of a child who suffered brain damage as a result of clinical negligence has been awarded a multi-million pound settlement.

Harefield Hospital has been told to make the payment after Robbie Crane, who is now 12, suffered the brain damage just a few days after he was born.

Ventilators had not been properly adjusted after an operation to correct heart defects, which led to brain damage including hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, learning difficulties, behavioural problems and epilepsy, reports the Uxbridge Gazette.

His parents, Catherine and Barry, said: "We almost can't believe that we've actually won this compensation for Robbie, as we were told on a number of occasions that we stood no chance."

The Westmorland Gazette recently reported that several mothers are launching clinical negligence cases over the treatment of mothers at Furness General Hospital's maternity ward.

It is facing closure unless it improves standards in the next few months following an investigation by the Care Quality Commission.