A ‘positive and happy’ teenager whose birth was negligently delayed at Furness General Hospital will receive millions in NHS compensation for her disabilities.

The girl suffered brain damage due to oxygen starvation but, with the help of her devoted parents, has made the most of her life, the High Court heard.

University of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust issued a public apology for the failings in care which left her facing a lifetime of disability.

The settlement of her clinical negligence claim means she will receive a £4.5 million lump sum, plus index-linked payments to cover the costs of her care for life.

They will start at £80,000 a year before rising to £144,000 a year when she reaches the 18, said her barrister, Andrew Lewis QC.

And, between the ages of 30-45, they will go up to £175,000 a year to cover the additional costs of looking after any children that she may have.

Mr Lewis told the court during a remote hearing that the girl suffers from dyskinetic athetoid cerebal palsy.

She has mobility difficulties, but her intellect is largely unaffected and she is doing well academically.

The QC added: “She is a very positive and happy young lady who enjoys school and is keen to make the most of her life.”

NHS counsel, Richard Booth QC, said a written apology had already been sent to the girl and her family by the trust’s chief executive.

He added: “The trust apologises wholeheartedly and unreservedly for the failings in care at Furness General Hospital.”

Paying tribute to the “unstinting and remarkable care” given to the girl by her parents, he said: “This settlement is a testament to their outstanding commitment.

“All at the trust hope that it will give the claimant and her family security for the future and alleviate the many challenges that lie ahead.”

Mrs Justice Lambert needed “no persuasion” that the “very fair” settlement was in the teenager’s best interests.

The judge added: “I have been deeply moved by reading accounts of all that these parents have done for their daughter.

“There’s been a very great deal on their plate, but their love and attention shines through.”

She added: “Money cannot turn the clock back, but it can make life a good deal easier.

“The parents now have enough money to provide their daughter with a secure future, whatever it may hold.”

Dr Shahedal Bari, Medical Director at UHMBT said: "The Trust is deeply sorry for the failings in the treatment it provided to this patient whilst under its care and for any subsequent distress this has caused the family."

"We are therefore pleased that, following negotiations between the parties’ legal representatives, a settlement has been reached which has been approved by the Court and will go towards helping with the care and support that needs to be put in place for this patient’s future.

"The Trust hopes that the settlement reached will provide the family with some comfort and reassurance that ML will be able to receive the support she needs and wishes both this patient and her family all the very best for her future.”