AN Ardsley couple are going to sue Barnsley hospital over a traumatic labour which left their twin daughter brain damaged.

Olivia Cunliffe was starved of oxygen during her birth in December 2005 and parents Mandy and Glyn have been told by a neurologist it is unlikely she will ever walk or talk.

Mandy had an induced delivery because she was suffering from high blood pressure and suspected pre-eclampsia.

Although the Cunliffes were unhappy about the level of staffing in the labour suite, Jake was born without any serious problems.

But a scan revealed Olivia had fallen into an awkward position, the duty consultant was contacted and an emergency caesarean was ordered but there were delays with the start of the operation.

The duty consultant did not attend initially and the registrar began to operate but stopped when complications meant the duty consultant was needed.

The chain of events has been confirmed by the hospital in correspondence with the Cunliffes.

Olivia needed to be resuscitated and spent the next four weeks in the Special Care Baby Unit.

Her parents say he suffered from fits until she was about six months old and doctors have recently diagnosed cerebral palsy.

Mr and Mrs Cunliffe, of Hawkswell Bank, Ardsley, sent a letter of complaint about the circumstances of the birth a month after the twins were born.

In a response the hospital deemed all the care was ‘appropriate’.

However during a meeting the family attended at the hospital some weeks later this judgement was contradicted with doctors admitting the care was sub optimal (below favourable).

The two doctors involved and the then medical director David Hicks, who is now acting chief executive, were present.

The hospital's minutes states: “Mr and Mrs Cunliffe spoke of mistakes that had been made that night, and that based on the evidence these had led directly to Olivia’s injury. All three parties were directly asked if the care given had been satisfactory, all agreed that the care was sub optimal and not appropriate at times.”

The meeting minutes also revealed maternity staff had to cover for shortages within the medical team - Jake was given his first feed by a housekeeper.

A hospital spokesman said it was inappropriate to comment because of a formal complaint and possible legal proceedings. She added that an internal investigation was being carried out.