Couple wins clinical negligence compensation claim from Essex hospital

A couple has been awarded a five-figure payout after making a successful compensation claim against an Essex hospital accused of clinical negligence.

Louise Stokes and partner Charles Plume took legal action against Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow after Ms Stokes suffered a stillbirth under its care.

The NHS trust responsible for the facility has issued an apology for failing to properly monitor a case of pre-eclampsia suffered by the mother, which led to complications in the birth of baby Carl.

Full responsibility for the incident has now been taken by the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, which added that it hopes to learn from the mistakes made during the incident.

A spokeswoman for the body said: “Since the death of baby Carl, the trust has taken appropriate steps to ensure that a similar incident does not occur in the future.”

Last month, the Romford Recorder reported that an Essex woman won compensation from Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust after a misdiagnosis of her spinal condition resulted in her permanent paralysis.

Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp, a clinical negligence specialist at Ashtons Legal, said: “This case highlights some of the real tragedy that lies behind claims involving medical error.

“This is a high award, as often such cases attract relatively modest sums in compensation due to the outdated legislation that applies to fatal cases.

“It is also positive that the trust acknowledges mistakes were made and has committed to improvement in services – it is important to go back and see if changes have been implemented as promised within the agreed time frame or at all.”