Hospital bosses have agreed a seven-figure High Court compensation payout for a pensioner who was left seriously brain damaged after going under the knife.

The 65-year-old, whose identification has been banned by the court, was left facing the rest of his life in a wheelchair after being catastrophically injured at Epsom General Hospital in 2004.

He had been admitted to the hospital for a cancer operation, but, although it was successful, suffered his life-changing injuries as he recuperated afterwards.

Lawyers for the pensioner said hospital staff failed to monitor him closely enough and did not realise he was having problems breathing until it was too late.

He suffered a period of hypoxia - oxygen starvation - causing massive brain damage and leaving him with the serious disabilities which have ruined his life.

His family launched a High Court damages claim against the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust and were at the High Court on Monday when the claim was settled.

The trust, which admitted liability to pay damages, agreed to pay out a substantial lump sum, plus index-linked and tax-free annual payments to cover the costs of his care for as long as he lives.

The settlement includes £200,000 for his "pain, suffering and loss of amenity".

Family barrister, Adrian Whitfield QC, asked Mr Justice Penry-Davey to approve the settlement on the grounds that it was the best that could match the man's needs.

Simon Credland, for the trust, said: "May I, on behalf of the trust, take this opportunity to acknowledge the very profound injuries caused to the claimant and to pay tribute to his family, in particular his wife, who has shown complete devotion in looking after her husband.

"The trust hopes that the settlement will make a real difference to both the claimant and his family for the future."

Mr Whitfield said the confidential offer was "eminently reasonable and sensible" and would cater for the needs of the man and his family.

The cash will cover damages for his injury, reimbursement for care already provided and to pay for future care and the equipment which he needs.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Penry-Davey congratulated both sides for achieving a settlement without the need for a potentially costly High Court trial.

He added: "I hope that, as far as possible, it will improve the lot of all of those involved."

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