Our £6.5m victory for brain-damage daughter

The parents of an 11-year-old London girl awarded £6.5 million after hospital blunders left her severely brain damaged today told of their relief that her future is now taken care of.

Melissa Salamanca, of Brockley, was born with jaundice and could have escaped harm if either the hospital or a midwife had spotted the seriousness of the situation, the High Court heard. She was sent home from hospital the same day and suffered blood poisoning which left her with cerebral palsy.

Diego and Maria Salamanca, both 34, said the legal fight for a settlement had dominated their lives. Mrs Salamanca said: "It has been going on for a very long time. It has become our life. It is a fair amount for the amount of care Melissa will need for the rest of her life. I can pass away very peacefully knowing that her future is secure.

"Money will not put my daughter back to normal but it might make her life more comfortable."

Mr Salamanca, a chauffeur, said they are trying not to feel resentment towards the hospital. Mr Justice Keith approved the award against Greenwich Healthcare NHS Trust and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust on the basis of 100 per cent liability. He said her parents had shown "consummate devotion". The couple also have a 12-year-old son Michael.

Melissa needs medical treatment for the rest of her life, including physiotherapy and audiotherapy. She attends a special school in Tulse Hill, is only able to walk short distances with difficulty and has speech problems.

Her father said: "She is a very lovely, happy girl but obviously very dependent on us. The money is not about suddenly being massively better off, but to help her future."