Life-Changing Support for a Family Following undiagnosed Neonatal Hypoglycaemia

A young girl and her family have secured vital support for their future following a legal case brought by Fletchers Solicitors, after the child was left with profound disabilities as a result of delayed diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycaemia which is low blood sugars.

Born slightly prematurely at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch in 2010, the baby girl was discharged home the same day following two successful breastfeeds.  However, within just 48 hours, her condition deteriorated significantly. Her mother, concerned that her baby wasn’t feeding properly, brought her back to hospital — but by then, her blood glucose levels were dangerously low and unrecordable.  Despite emergency treatment, she had already suffered brain damage.

Now 15, the girl lives with severe visual impairment, significant mobility problems, drug-resistant epilepsy, and a profound learning disability. She relies entirely on others for all aspects of her care.

Her family’s legal journey has been long and emotionally challenging. It involved complex legal arguments and conflicting expert evidence about the community midwife’s visit to the family the day after discharge. The mother clearly remembered reporting concerns about her daughter’s feeding and abnormal movements, but contemporaneous records made by the midwife did not reflect these concerns. This discrepancy meant that the claim had limited chances of success, but the medical negligence team at Fletchers Solicitors — including solicitor Michael Gray supported by Megan Tyrer and Niamh Maxwell and who instructed barristers David Knifton KC and Chris Gutteridge refused to give up.

“We knew this case wouldn’t be easy,” said Michael Gray, Partner at Fletchers. “But we also knew what a difference the right outcome could make to this family’s life. Our focus was always on securing the support they need, rather than just financial compensation.”

The case was originally due to go to trial in May 2025. However, shortly beforehand, the Defendant’s legal team sought to adjourn due to complications with their expert witnesses. Faced with this uncertainty, they made a 7 figure offer to settle.

Although the legal team had been prepared to fight the case at trial, the family took the difficult but pragmatic decision to accept the offer, which will enable them to buy and adapt a suitable home and fund essential care and equipment.

At the approval hearing in the High Court, the Judge described the mother’s decision as “very sensible,” recognising the enormous pressures the family had faced during litigation.

“She doesn’t need millions to make a difference,” her mother said when weighing up the options. “Just a little help.”

Reflecting on the case, David Knifton KC, who was instructed by Fletchers Solicitors, said:

“I am delighted that we were able to secure a genuinely life-changing outcome in this case. By identifying and narrowing the issues at an early stage, we were able to deal with the litigation in a cost-effective manner, despite the risks involved. Nevertheless, it required courage and commitment on the part of the legal team to pursue the claim to a point where this settlement could be achieved. I wish the family every success for the future.”  Michael Gray added:

“There are no real winners in cases like this. What matters is that we help families navigate incredibly tough situations with dignity and care.  I hope this outcome brings the family some comfort and a more secure future.”