Hospital trust must pay life-long care costs for boy, 6, disabled at birth

Darryl Munashe Kupahurasa, who was born in 2007 at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, suffers from cerebral palsy after inappropriate use of the artificial hormone, Cintocinon, caused his mother to experience super-strength contractions, resulting in her baby suffering brain damage.

As a result, Darryl’s lawyers say, he will never be able to walk or talk and he will suffer from lasting severe cognitive and learning difficulties.

Darryl, now six, sued the hospital’s managers, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, through his mother Portia Kupahurasa, of Bernard Road, Edlington, Doncaster, claiming negligence caused his injuries.

The Trust did not contest liability and today its QC, David Pittaway, apologised to the family as Mr Justice Supperstone approved a settlement in the form of a £2.45m lump sum, plus substantial annual payments to cover the enormous costs of Darryl’s care for life.

Simon Taylor QC, Darryl’s barrister, described him as “chirpy, personable and very much loved” despite his severe disabilities.

He went on to tell the judge that the lump sum was likely to be spent mainly “on accommodation, transport and other equipment” needed to make the youngster’s life as comfortable as possible.

Mr Taylor said the annual sums would pay for care and will increase gradually to reach £192,000 yearly after Darryl leaves school.