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A women with severe learning disabilities who was left 'devastated' after hospital staff cut the arms off a doll she believed was her own child has been awarded a £65k payout.

The family of Susan Hearsey launched legal action against the NHS after the 64-year-old was subjected to "inhumane" treatment at Walsall Manor Hospital in September 2013.

Her family have slammed the hospital for their cruel treatment of Ms Hearsey - and fear she may never recover from her ordeal.

According to her sister Jane Dunn, Ms Hearsey's beloved doll was damaged by a nurse because she was not doing as she was told.

The doll was found on the floor with its arms severed, clothes missing, legs damaged and a chunk of its hair missing - which had a "devastating" effect on Ms Hearsey and her family.

The Trust faced a catalogue of allegations of wider neglect and abuse - including that staff were distracted on duty, lacked an understanding of Ms Hearsey's special needs and did not wash her properly.

(Image: Caters)

As well as the pay-out, the trust has issued a formal apology to the family and agreed to an independent investigation.

Human rights expert Merry Varney, who represented the family on behalf of law firm Leigh Day, said: "Susan, a vulnerable patient with a severe learning disability, loved her baby doll as though it was her own child and she may never recover from the cruelty she suffered while at the Walsall Manor Hospital.

"After facing denials from the hospital and only an offer to replace the doll, achieving financial compensation and an independent investigation finally brings her some justice."

Ms Varney said the settlement, which was approved at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, would go towards paying for the necessary equipment Ms Hearsey needs to access care and therapy so she can start to recover from her ordeal.

Dan Scorer, head of policy at learning disability charity Mencap, said: "We are pleased that the High Court has appreciated the seriousness of what happened to Susan Hearsey.

(Image: BPM MEDIA)

"She was subjected to appalling treatment from the very people who were meant to be caring for her.

"This case unfortunately highlights the failures of care that are a daily reality for many people with a learning disability trying to get access to the NHS. This needs to end."

Chief executive of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Richard Kirby said: "We are very sorry that this incident occurred and would like to apologise to Ms Hearsey and her family.

"The trust conducted a thorough internal investigation immediately following the incident and spoke with Ms Hearsey's family to discuss their concerns.

"The outcome and actions taken following the investigation were also shared with the family to reassure them that appropriate action had been undertaken and controls put in place to ensure that this would not happen again.

"Once again, we offer our sincere apologies."