A teenage girl who was left severely physically disabled following her birth will be able to enjoy a new independence after moving home.

In 1998 the Evening Echo reported how Francesca Goodwin, of Clinton Road, Canvey, received £1million in an out of court settlement after staff at Rochford Hospital allegedly failed to spot signs of foetal distress.

Home sweet home - life will be much more comfortable now for Francesca Goodwin and her mum, June Picture: ROB BROWNE

Lawyers for Francesca, 16, a pupil at Kingsdown School, claimed that when she was born she could have escaped injury if she had been delivered earlier.

However, despite the award the South Essex Health Authority - which replaced the old Southend Health Authority - did not admit liability.

Now Francesca's parents, June and Gary, have sold their own home and put some of the award money towards a new bungalow for their daughter - just opposite their old house.

June, 45, said: "The new bungalow will mean Francesca will be able to have much more independence.

"The bungalow has wide doors so she will be able to get around the house in her wheelchair."

"It will also mean she can have friends over to stay. At the moment she obviously wants to stay over at friends' houses but she cannot because I have to be there to look after her."

Canvey councillor Ray Howard will officially open the new home this week.

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

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