London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Mar 21, 2026

Ipswich family fears being left homeless after NHS payback demand

Ipswich family fears being left homeless after NHS payback demand

A mother said she was "absolutely terrified" at the prospect of losing her home after the NHS asked for a share of a £1.8m interim settlement back when her daughter died.

Daisy Lowe-Martin needed 24/7 care following an injury at Ipswich Hospital when she was eight weeks old.

Her family used the payments to buy a home in Ipswich they could adapt to her needs just before she died, aged seven.

The hospital said it was "fair and appropriate" they pay back some funds.

Daisy shortly before she died unexpectedly, aged seven

Her mother Katherine Coulson, 37, said: "What happened to her caused her to die at an early age, caused her to have all the problems she had.

"To take the money back knowing that is the reason she died is disgusting."

Daisy, who died in September 2019, was unable to move independently, was fed by a tube and needed carers to monitor her overnight.

After years of assessments, Ipswich Hospital accepted 90% liability for her brain injuries.

'Calm and loving' Daisy with her little sister Indie

The family were awarded an interim payment so they could buy a bungalow which could be adapted to Daisy's needs as she grew, with big doorways for her wheelchair, hoists to lift her and space for her medical equipment.

Mrs Coulson, who was Daisy's full-time carer, said: "I just wanted the best possible life for her. This house was the ultimate goal and we battled for seven years to get it."

Daisy died six weeks before the settlement was signed off.

Mrs Coulson was unaware that if her daughter died before the final settlement, she would be expected to pay back some of the funds.

She said the only way they could afford to pay it back was to sell the house, leaving them homeless.

Katherine, pictured holding her younger daughter Indie, married Daniel Coulson when Daisy was very young

Mrs Coulson said she accepted the bungalow was too big for their needs, but hoped they could sell it and keep some of the money to buy a smaller home.

A spokesman for Ipswich Hospital said a final settlement was delayed because "as with all brain injury cases involving very young children, it is very rarely possible to fully assess the damages element of the claim until the child is much older, into their teens".

But after Daisy's "tragic and unexpected" death in 2019, a "just, fair and appropriate" final settlement was agreed in court in November 2020 and the family had to "repay a small proportion of the substantial interim payment".

Mrs Coulson said: "Not only have we lost Daisy, but we'll lose our home.

"I'm absolutely terrified."

NHS Resolution, which deals with medical negligence claims on behalf of hospitals, declined to comment.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Lord Walney Warns of Expanding Iranian Influence Networks Within the United Kingdom
Iranian National Among Two Arrested After Attempt to Access UK Nuclear Submarine Base
Deregulation, Artificial Intelligence, and Fraud Laws Reshape UK Financial Services Landscape
UK Considers Lower Speed Limits to Reduce Fuel Use Amid Escalating Energy Crisis
UK Borrowing Costs Surge to Post-Crisis High as Markets React to Inflation and War Risks
UK Government Prepares Emergency Economic Measures as Iran Conflict Fuels Financial Risks
Meningitis B Outbreak in the UK Raises Urgent Health Warnings as Cases Surge
Iran Issues Stark Warning to Britain Over US Base Access Amid Expanding Conflict
United Kingdom Authorizes US Strikes from British Bases as Iran Threatens Key Shipping Routes
Reform UK Suspends Scottish Candidate Following Financial Misconduct Allegations
Apple issues an unusual warning: this is how your iPhone can be hacked without you doing anything
UK and Nigeria Reach Agreement to Accelerate Return of Irregular Migrants
UK Sets New Aid Priorities Following Significant Budget Reductions
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
UK Plans 50% Steel Tariffs in Bold Move to Protect Domestic Industry
Iran Conflict Sends Shockwaves Through UK Economy as Energy Costs and Trade Risks Surge
UK Health Officials Warn Kent Meningitis Outbreak Still Active as Cases Continue to Rise
UK Climate Progress Faces Scrutiny Over Reliance on Carbon Accounting Methods
UK Deploys Advisers to United States to Shape Plan for Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Amazon Bets on AI-Driven Alexa Upgrade to Revive UK Smart Speaker Market
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
GB News Faces Regulatory Complaints Over On-Air Remarks on ‘Genocide’ Claims
UK Signals Expanded Support for Gulf Allies as Iranian Attacks Intensify Regional Threats
UK VAT Decision Opens Path for Potential Refunds to U.S. Biopharma Firms
UK and Canada Advance ‘Middle Power’ Strategy to Shape Global Influence Beyond Superpowers
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Holds Back on Hormuz Escort Mission While Continuing Talks with Allies
TrumpRx Pricing Platform Faces Scrutiny as Some Medicines Remain Costlier Than in the UK
UK, Netherlands and Finland Explore Joint Defence Investment Bank to Boost Military Capability
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in Kent Raises Alarm as Cases Surge and Emergency Response Expands
UK Security Adviser Viewed US-Iran Nuclear Deal as Within Reach Before Sudden Escalation
UK Prime Minister Urges Continued Focus on Ukraine Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
UK Introduces New Safeguards to Shield Lenders from Bank Run Risks
UK Promotional Products Market Surpasses £1.3 Billion as Demand Strengthens in 2025
Reeves Pushes for Deeper UK-EU Economic Ties to Revive Growth
UK Security Adviser Saw No Imminent Iranian Nuclear Threat Days Before War Erupted
France Signals Warm Welcome for UK Return to EU Single Market Amid Renewed Cooperation Talks
UK Defence Official Criticises Boeing Over Delays to E-7 Wedgetail Programme
UK Urged to Secure Quantum Talent as Minister Warns Against Repeating AI Setbacks
UK Mayors Set to Gain New Spending Powers Under Reeves’ Fiscal Devolution Plan
Western Allies Urge Restraint as Israel Weighs Expanded Ground Operation in Lebanon
Trump Warns NATO Faces ‘Very Bad’ Future Without Stronger Allied Support in Iran Conflict
UK Minister Says Britain Not Bound to Support Every Demand From U.S. President
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
×