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Health chiefs have admitted responsibility for the death of a newborn baby following an “appalling catalogue of failings” by midwives.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust also agreed an undisclosed out-of-court settlement with grieving parents Lesley Broughton and Jason Ham, from Kings Norton.

The couple’s first child, called Ford, died of brain damage caused by oxygen starvation at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital on October 3, 2010.

Lesley, 31, lost so much blood during her labour that she feared for own life. But the couple said midwives waited more than two hours to send her for an emergency caesarean section after Ford’s heartbeat dropped, despite her pregnancy being considered high-risk.

Now they have secured a full admission of responsibility and official apology from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust after taking legal action through law firm Irwin Mitchell.

It also agreed the payout, which will fund their treatment for depression.

Lesley, who has two children, aged six and 11, from a previous relationship, said: “Ford was mine and Jason’s first child together and we were so excited to welcome him into the family.

“I was losing so much blood I thought I was going to die.

“I don’t remember the caesarean and needed further surgery. Several hours after the delivery a doctor told me Ford had died while I was on my own.”

She spent three more weeks in hospital recovering from blood loss and further complications from surgery.

The housewife added: “We were disgusted by the way we were treated and determined to get justice for Ford.

“We welcome the apology but nothing can bring him back or make up for the pain we continue to suffer.

“I’m not the person I used to be.

“I have some good days, some bad days.”

A hospital spokeswoman said: “Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust apologises for the failings in care given to Ford and his family.

“The Trust has admitted responsibility and offered a full apology to the family for Ford’s death.

“The Trust is pleased a financial settlement has now been reached with his family and extends its condolences during what would continue to be a difficult time for Ford’s family.”

Tom Riis-Bristow, from Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, said: “The couple have, understandably, found it incredibly hard to accept what happened and need specialist support to help them come to terms with their loss.”