Twin awarded £9 million after suffering brain damage at birth

The parents of an eight-year-old twin who suffered brain damage from her delivery spoke of their relief today after winning £9million compensation.

Paul and Paula Smith's daughter Amy has cerebral palsy after being delivered 20 minutes after her sister at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, in September 2002. The money will cover Amy's lifelong care.

The court was told that 15 minutes' delay caused serious brain damage, which means she can never live independently.

Mrs Smith, from Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, said: "Knowing her care will now be funded for her adult life is a great weight off our shoulders."

The Smiths began a lawsuit against the hospital's management, North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, when Amy was a toddler.

Amy was at the High Court to witness the settlement. The payout will come as a £3.29million lump sum along with annual index-linked payments.

Her solicitor Sue Jarvis said: "Her family now have the reassurance that she will receive care for the rest of her life." She added that Amy will always need round-the-clock attention.