NHS payout after failure to diagnose brain tumour

A young woman has received an £8 million settlement after doctors failed to spot the early stages of a brain tumour that has left her disabled for life.

What happened?

Clair Bonfield was just 10-years-old when she was first admitted to hospital back in 2003, after suffering from persistent headaches and vomiting for a year. After five months a CT scan revealed she was suffering from a brain tumour.

Though the operation to remove it was successful, Clair then developed a critical post-operative infection, leaving her with a serious brain injury.

What was the outcome?

Via her father, Clair sued the James Paget Hospital where she was first admitted, and Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge where she was operated on.

Mr Justice Holroyde approved the settlement, worth £8,000,000 on the basis that, had the staff spotted and treated the tumour earlier, the chance of her developing the later infection would have been drastically reduced.

Clair, now 21, has received a £1.9 million lump sum, as well as annual payments covering the costs of her care for life. These payments start at £36,585 and rise in steps to £148,000 when she is in her mid-50s.

George Hugh-Jones QC, for the NHS, publically apologised to Clair’s family in court, adding his admiration for Clair’s parents.

If you have been affected by medical negligence, and you would like expert advice, contact the Hampson Hughes Solicitors Medical Negligence Team today on 0151 242 1025 or email

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