Oldham mother files £1m High Court claim over son's brain injury after hospital birth

Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:45

By David Murphy

An Oldham mother has launched a High Court compensation claim worth more than £1 million against the NHS, alleging that medical errors at Royal Oldham Hospital left her son with permanent brain damage.

Rachael Spence, who lives in Shaw, is seeking damages on behalf of her young son, who was born prematurely at 32 weeks at the hospital, which is run by the Northern Care Alliance (NCA) NHS Foundation Trust.

According to court documents now made public, her son was healthy at birth but required specialist care in the neonatal intensive care unit due to his early delivery. It is alleged that failures in his postnatal care resulted in a brain injury.

The claim states that the child now suffers from global developmental delay and ongoing neurodevelopmental issues that are expected to persist for life. While he currently attends school, the full extent of his difficulties is not yet known and may only become clearer by the time he reaches the age of 10 or 11.

The NCA has admitted liability for failings in care shortly after birth, but it has not accepted the extent of the injury claimed.

Medical records show that the baby was treated for respiratory distress, placed on a ventilator, and given a surfactant treatment via a breathing tube. A chest drain was later fitted to treat collapsed lungs. However, part of the claim centres on allegations that a chest drain was also attempted at a time when there was no collapse, contrary to clinical need and established guidelines.

Ms Spence is accusing the trust of negligence, citing a failure to follow national protocols and causing avoidable harm.

In a statement, Jonathan Moise, medical director at The Royal Oldham Hospital, said:
“We are very sorry that the care provided to Ms Spence and her son did not meet the high standards that we strive for at the NCA. As this is an ongoing claim, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Greater Manchester

Tribute paid to Oldham man who died after three vehicle collision in Royton

A man who died following a collision involving three vehicles in Royton has been named as Michael Margetson from Oldham. His wife has paid tribute to him and asked for privacy for the family.
Green MP Hannah Spencer delivers maiden speech in Parliament during International Women’s Day debate

Green Party MP Hannah Spencer has delivered her first speech in the House of Commons, reflecting on her journey from training as a plumber to representing her community in Parliament.
Oldham manufacturer accelerates shift to automated production with regional support

An Oldham manufacturer is expanding its use of robotics and digital systems as part of a major transformation aimed at boosting productivity and opening new markets.
Greater Manchester businesses invited to join June trade mission to Shenzhen and Hong Kong

Businesses across Greater Manchester are being invited to join an official trade mission to Shenzhen and Hong Kong this summer aimed at building new international partnerships.
Bernard Manning’s World Famous Embassy Club set to be demolished for health centre

The World Famous Embassy Club in Harpurhey is set to close down this month and be demolished, Manchester council says.
Civil war erupts as Labour activists in Gorton and Denton say party is ‘not willing to change’

Civil war has erupted within Labour as activists in Gorton and Denton accused the party of ‘not being willing to change’ during its by-election campaign. It comes as Labour suffered a bruising defeat in the race which saw it lose the seat to the Green Party despite having a 13,000-vote majority in the 2024 general election.
Social care worker honoured after saving life of injured police officer

A deputy team manager from a Rochdale-based care organisation has been commended for saving the life of a police officer who was seriously injured while on duty.
M60 closed near Prestwich after multi-vehicle crash saw two rushed to hospital

Traffic halted and delays expected following collision between junctions 16 and 17