Doc said 'these things happen' after my child was left brain damaged

Family's £20m payout over hospital surgery

- KELLY-ANN MILLS

A DEVASTATED mum whose child was left brain damaged after a botched operation says she was shocked when a surgeon told her: "These things happen."

Her toddler had gone in for what she was told was "routine" openheart surgery but was left in a wheelchair and needing 24/7 care.

The child whose identity is protected by the courts - sustained significant brain damage from being starved of oxygen in theatre.

After a 12-year fight, the family has finally secured a £20million payout to help support their now teenager.

The child's mum said: "[My child's] life, and that of our whole family, has never been the same and will never be the same. The trauma we have been through is really indescribable."

BENEFITS

The toddler had the operation at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool in 2012 and the news that followed was horrendous.

The mum said: "When they said it wasn't their fault, I didn't believe it. I just knew. As a parent, you know.

"One surgeon said to me at the time, 'Welcome to the NHS in 2012. These things happen' and that has stayed with me ever since.

"My child is not something they can practise on."

At first the parents kept working to try to cover the bills.