A COUPLE have been awarded nearly half a million pounds after their daughter lost the use of her arm because of a blunder during her birth.

The nerves controlling the youngster’s left arm were damaged after forceps were used during her delivery at Basildon Hospital’s maternity department in 2005.

London’s High Court heard how“greater force than necessary” was used by medics.

Basildon Hospital admitted liability for the girl’s injuries, and judge Sir David Robert Foskett ordered the trust to pay the family £468,000 compensation.

Mr Foskett said: “Undoubtedly her disability will cause difficulty and frustration for her.

“There will be additional costs associated and arising from it.

“No award of compensation will give her the power in her left arm back, but I hope the money will help this delightful and determined young lady in her future life.”

The girl is now nine years old.

Bradley Martin, Basildon Hospital’s lawyer, said during the court hearing: “We very much hope that this settlement secures her future.”

Last year, the hospital’s maternity department was the first in the country to be given an “outstanding” rating by the Care Quality Commission.

It was praised for its teamwork, research, high professional standards and a focus on safety.

An overall “good” rating from the health watchdog prompted Monitor to lift a string of sanctions on Basildon Hospital.

It become the first trust in the country to be taken out of special measures after an 11- month turnaround.

A spokesman for Basildon Hospital said: “We are pleased the court has approved the settlement which was agreed between the parties and hope this will provide the child and her family with security for the future. The trust wishes her and her family well.”