31 October 2011 Last updated at 14:22 ET

Brain damaged Hertfordshire boy gets £5m from Harefield

A boy from Hertfordshire who suffered brain damage after heart surgery will receive at least £5m in compensation.

Robbie Crane, now 12, of Hemel Hempstead, won an out-of-court settlement of his claim for alleged medical negligence against Harefield Hospital in Middlesex.

The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust denied liability for Robbie's condition.

But a financial settlement was reached at the High Court in London on Monday.

Robbie, was born with a heart defect and underwent surgery at Harefield Hospital in October 1999 to correct the condition.

'No chance'

The surgery was successful but Robbie's lawyers alleged medical negligence when he was being ventilated after the operation.

Neil Block, QC for the trust, said although there was no admission of liability, the trust acknowledged "serious issues" had been raised over Robbie's treatment.

Mr Justice Owen approved the out-of-court settlement, in which Robbie will receive 70% of the full sum claimed.

The money will be used to provide Robbie with the care, accommodation, equipment and support he will need for the rest of his life.

In a statement after the hearing, Robbie's parents, Catherine and Barrie, said: "We almost can't believe we've actually won this compensation for Robbie as we were told on a number of occasions we stood no chance.

"We have always provided Robbie with constant loving care and this award means he will still be cared for when we are no longer able to do so."