A YOUNG mum may have to wait more than 18 months before receiving a payout of possibly £600,000-plus after both she and her unborn child suffered “severe” brain injuries prior to the birth at Ipswich Hospital.

A YOUNG mum may have to wait more than 18 months before receiving a payout of possibly £600,000-plus after both she and her unborn child suffered “severe” brain injuries prior to the birth at Ipswich Hospital.

The hospital has already accepted liability for what happened to epilepsy sufferer Rebecca Waite, 21, and her son Kyle Burch three years ago, but experts say it will be a while yet before the case is settled as an assessment has to be made on the impact of the injuries on their lives.

Kyle has to be fed through a tube and unfortunately is never expected to be able either to walk or talk.

Miss Waite was admitted to hospital on May 6, 2004, when 38 weeks pregnant after being diagnosed with mild pre-eclampsia, a condition which involves high blood pressure.

A writ issued against Ipswich Hospital to the High Court in London by her solicitors, Kester Cunningham John, said the expectant mother was known as an unstable epileptic.

On May 7, it claimed a decision was made to induce the labour, and some time that evening Miss Waite was encouraged to take a bath for pain relief.

However, it is alleged she was left in the bath unattended and was discovered later under the water and not breathing.

Misss Waite, of Felixstowe, was revived and taken to theatre for the emergency delivery of her son Kyle, now three.

But both have been left with a brain injury and need care.

Ms Waite's solicitors issued a writ, claiming damages of more than £300,000 each for her and her son.

Lawyer Trefine Maynard said: “Rebecca's epilepsy was shown clearly on her medical notes, yet she was left unattended to take a bath. As a result, both she and her baby have irreversible brain injuries.

“The horror of the situation was exacerbated of course because it was her partner Paul Burch who discovered her and was left with the responsibility of summoning help.

“He and Rebecca's mother now look after them both. Rebecca has done very well and has made a remarkable recovery, but will still need supervision for the rest of her life. She can't care for her son without considerable help.”

Ipswich Hospital said it had made an admission of liability and hoped to settle the case as soon as possible.

“The trust is working with Rebecca and Kyle's solicitors with a view to settling the claim as soon as possible,” said a spokeswoman.

“The trust wishes both Rebecca and Kyle all the best for the future.”