A 12-year-old girl has been awarded £1 million in the High Court for brain damage suffered when she was born at Rochford Hospital.

South Essex Health Authority agreed to pay the damages to Francesca Goodwin, who was left with cerebral palsy after obstetrics staff at the old Rochford Hospital delivered her with forceps rather than perform an emergency Caesarean section.

Francesca, of Clinton Road, Canvey, was starved of oxygen and is unable to walk, feed or dress herself or go to the toilet unaided.

The health authority agreed the out of court settlement shortly before the hearing was due to go ahead and no evidence was given.

The judge paid tribute to Francesca's parents, June and Gary, for the devotion and care they have given to their daughter, saying he could not help but be moved by it.

Francesca's solicitor, Roger Wicks, said: "I think it is a great pity the health authority did not admit this earlier and forced her to fight through the court for several years before making an offer."

He added that Francesca, who attends Kingsdown special school in Southend, had a normal life expectancy and would need "a huge amount of care".

"She needs the same sort of care as a very young baby, as well as physiotherapy every day. The tragedy is that intellectually she is normal."

Mr Wicks said Francesca's parents were just relieved their daughter's future was now secure.

"They are not pleased or happy."

The health authority was also ordered to pay costs, which have yet to be fixed.

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