THE family of an 11-year-old girl, who almost died after doctors failed to monitor her heart rate during birth, are claiming compensation.

Louise Wood was left suffering from cerebal palsy and brain damage after she was starved of oxygen during the final stages of labour.

Her family are suing Durham Health Authority at the High Court in Newcastle, claiming the hospital failed to monitor her heart rate during that time.

Louise's mother, Gillian Wood, had been taken to Dryburn Hospital, Durham, to have her baby. But, during labour, Louise was asphyxiated.

Prosecutor David Gripton said that, had Mrs Wood been monitored during the last stages of labour, that would have been picked up by nursing staff.

He said: "If monitoring had continued, it was most likely changes would have been seen and would indicate a need to hasten delivery. The care in this delivery fell below the appropriate standard."

Mrs Wood, of Finchale Road, Newton Hall, Durham, told the court how, during the birth, she suddenly realised something was wrong.

She said: "Everything seemed controlled, no anxiety. But then I noticed a change of expression on the doctors' faces."

Durham Health Authority denies a breach of a duty of care.

The trial continues