Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust has apologised to a family after a baby was left blind in one eye and brain-damaged when hospital medical staff made a catalogue of errors during a routine birth.

Xavier Cutillo’s eyeball was detached from its socket and his skull fractured by the misuse of forceps during his delivery at Scunthorpe General Hospital in December last year.

He will never get his sight back in his left eye and his parents, Emma Portogallo, 22, and Daniel Cutillo, 23, will have to wait years to see what effect the damage done to his brain will have on his development, according to the family’s lawyers, Russell Jones and Walker.

A spokesman for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust said a full investigation and review had been carried out into the incident which led to Xavier’s injuries and staff also met the family shortly after the birth to discuss the delivery.

He added: “A number of changes to policy and practice have been implemented to ensure any risk of the circumstances being repeated are minimised. In particular, staff training has been extended and increased in frequency.

“We are extremely sorry for the distress caused to the family and would reiterate that our priority remains the safety of all women and babies at Scunthorpe General Hospital’s maternity services.”

James Bell, a partner at Russell Jones and Walker, said the couple is seeking compensation so they can cover any future medical costs Xavier may need.

 

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