A girl from Colchester born with a dislocated hip has received a £120,000 settlement after a health trust admitted it delayed diagnosis of the problem.

Chloe McCarthy, now 12, has suffered with pain, restricted movement in her legs and has undergone several procedures after she was born in January 2002 with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH).

She is likely to require hip replacements from as young as 40 years of age.

A High Court judge has now approved a future care package of £120,000 after Barts Health NHS Trust admitted liability for a delay in treatment.

Chloe’s treatment in the first year of her life was delayed by three months after missing appointment letters were not followed up and urgent referrals not made quickly enough.

An expert concluded earlier treatment could have fixed the problem with a cast, instead of the multiple procedures and future hip replacements which will take place.

Chloe’s mother Dawn said: “Chloe has faced dozens of hospital appointments, been in agonising pain and taking daily medication as a result of her condition which, as her mother, is obviously very hard to watch.

“The older she gets the more debilitating the DDH is as she cannot lead the same active lifestyle as her friends and struggles with walking distances.

“Her condition impacts the whole family, including her siblings who are not able to enjoy active holidays or hobbies as it’s not fair on Chloe because she can’t take part.

“I felt let down by the hospital staff and felt that they could have done more for Chloe.

“I am pleased that Chloe finally has justice and her future care needs will be met, but nothing can turn back the clock and truly make up for what she has been through and what she will endure in the future.”

A spokesman for the trust said: “We sincerely apologise for the delay that occurred at Newham Hospital in referring Chloe McCarthy for an appointment at The Royal London Hospital, the impact this has had on her family and the distress this has caused.

“We are pleased that a settlement has been reached.”