Hospital bosses have agreed a settlement with a woman who alleged her child suffered brain damage around the time of birth more than 20 years ago, a judge has heard.

The woman, who gave birth at Southend Hospital, made a negligence allegation and sued the hospital’s governing trust for damages, Judge Nicholas Parfitt was told at High Court hearing in London on Monday.

A barrister representing the woman told the judge that bosses at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which is based in Westcliff, had agreed a settlement and accepted 90 per cent liability.

Richard Cartwright said damages would be assessed.

Barrister John Whitting KC, who represented the trust, apologised on behalf of bosses.

He said the child, now an adult, had “significant disabilities” and praised the care the woman had provided.

Judge Parfitt approved the settlement and said the woman’s child could not be identified in media reports.

Alex Field, medical director for women's and children's division at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our thoughts go out to the family involved in this historical case that happened over 20 years ago. The safety of women, birthing people and their babies is the first priority of our maternity service.

“As one of the largest providers of maternity care in the country we have significantly invested in midwifery and obstetric staffing, equipment and training to improve safety.”

Earlier this month, another judge was told that a nine-year-boy who suffered brain damage following “mismanagement” during birth would get about £9 million to cover the costs of lifelong care after lawyers representing him reached a settlement with the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

Deputy High Court Judge Jeremy Hyam had approved the agreement between the boy’s family and the trust, at a High Court hearing in London.