A WOMAN who suffered a brain injury at birth is today set to sue Ipswich Hospital for negligence.Jessica Marjoram, who was born at the Heath Road site in December 1986, suffers from cerebral palsy, which affects her speech and all her limbs and means that she needs help to do everyday tasks.

A WOMAN who suffered a brain injury at birth is today set to sue Ipswich Hospital for negligence.

Jessica Marjoram, who was born at the Heath Road site in December 1986, suffers from cerebral palsy, which affects her speech and all her limbs and means that she needs help to do everyday tasks.

Now the 20-year-old is launching legal action against the hospital, claiming her injuries were caused by doctors' negligence.

The claim states that during Jessica's birth, following a normal pregnancy, doctors decided to use forceps to assist the delivery, but as they did so her heart rate fell, showing she was being starved of oxygen.

It adds that it was only after another attempt with forceps that doctors decided to do a caesarean section.

It is alleged that it was during this crucial delay that Jessica's injuries occurred.

Sandra Patton, of Kester Cunningham John, a specialist lawyer in dealing with claims arising from birth injuries, is representing Jessica and her family, including mother Cathy.

She said: “We claim that Jessica's physical problems have been caused by a lack of oxygen to her brain that happened immediately before her delivery.

“Had the hospital not used forceps or had been able to convert to a caesarean more quickly, Jessica wouldn't have suffered the injury.

“We are issuing the claim against Ipswich hospital this week, but it will be some time before the case comes before the courts.

“We shall be looking for a settlement which will mean that Jessica can live as independent and fulfilled a life as possible.

“Jessica and her family approached me only recently and for the same reason as many other families in this situation.

“As the child grows, the affects and reality of their disability become more stark, so their parents worry what will happen when they are no longer able to care for them, and they recognise that there is a pressing need to do something to try to secure their child's future.”

A spokesman for Ipswich Hospital said: "As this is now a legal matter, the hospital is unable to comment on the case.

"However, we take any allegations of this kind extremely seriously and will be investigating fully.

"The hospital does regret if this patient feels she had a bad experience at the hospital."

Are you taking legal action after suffering injuries? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.