Shine news
16th May 2025
Milly's birth was normal, but a health visitor spotted a red mark on her back two weeks later, advising GP review. At the 6-8 week check, the GP dismissed it, with no record made. Five months on, crusting was noted in that area. At nine months, Milly became very ill, showing developmental regression and increased head circumference. Tests revealed Dandy-Walker Syndrome and a dermal sinus tract, leading to a spinal infection. Surgery followed, complicated by sepsis.
Milly is still young, and therefore the full extent of her symptoms is not yet known. She has ongoing issues with her left leg, including likely permanent paralysis, as well as bowel issues and cognitive delay.
Millie's mum was at a loss and contacted a specialist spina bifida solicitor for advice. It was one of the two firms in the Shine legal service. She needed help to understand if and what had gone wrong with the care Millie received during and after birth and what next steps could be.
The solicitor obtained expert evidence that advised there were sadly failings in Milly's care. They then wrote to the Hospital alleging that they failed to recognise Milly's mark at birth and had not been aware of the potential for spinal abnormalities. They also failed to refer Milly for an X-ray to be further investigated or refer her to a paediatrician. Had this been done, Milly would have been seen within 4-6 weeks, and her family would have been advised that she should have surgery to remove the sinus tract, reducing the risk of infection. This would have completely avoided the left leg paralysis. She may have still required brain surgery, but this would have been less extensive.
In their Letter of Response, the GP admitted the breaches of duty and admitted that these caused Milly's injuries.
With liability admitted, the solicitors are now getting more expert reports that are helping Milly family understand what her needs are likely to be be in the future and help them understand the services, equipment and support they will need to meet them. The plan is to help Milly and her family to have as close as possible to the lives they would have had the negligence not happened. Her claim is ensuring she will have access to the right accommodation to ensure she has space for her therapies, access to the right education to maximise her potential and money to live off in the likely scenario that she will be unable to work when she becomes an adult. It also covers funds to pay for her care package for both now that she is young and the future that her family may no longer be able to provide their support. The job of the legal service is to make sure Milly will be looked after and financially independent for the rest of her life.
Read more about Shine's Legal Service here: www.shinecharity.org.uk/legal