Dr Andrew Holton was suspended from his post five years ago

Leicester consultant Dr Andrew Holton misdiagnosed up to 600 children, prescribing drugs that left some unable to walk or see properly.

Mrs Justice Cox has given approval for a new process which will speed up compensation claims for families.

Health bosses made a public apology at Wednesday's county court hearing.

I want to apologise publicly and in open court for the suffering, trials and tribulations that so many children...have gone through Jean Ritchie QC

Dr Holton misdiagnosed children while working as a consultant paediatrician at Leicester Royal Infirmary in the 1990s.

Solicitors representing families of the children involved and the NHS said they have negotiated a scheme which will avoid years of complex court hearings.

Expert panel

Mrs Justice Cox praised those involved in devising the scheme during the hearing at Nottingham County Court and said she would "happily give approval" to it.

It will see a panel of experts consider each individual case.

Lawyers will then use their assessment to value the claim.

Jean Ritchie QC, representing the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, apologised to families in court.

She said: "I want to apologise publicly and in open court for the suffering, trials and tribulations that so many children, parents and carers have gone through as a result of Dr Holton's misdiagnosis or mistreatment over a period of 11 years."

Traditional litigation would have taken a considerable amount of time and cost Richard Follis, epilepsy group spokesman

The High Court is expected to approve 11 settlements this week.

The compensation settlements are expected to range from approximately �4,000 to �48,000.

Dr Holton was suspended from his post five years ago.

A General Medical Council hearing began in April to decide whether restrictions should be placed on him in future, but has been delayed until September.

Richard Follis, of Alexander Harris, who represented the Leicester Epilepsy Concern Parents and Carers Group, said: "Families have already waited a long time for resolution to their claims.

"Traditional litigation would have taken a considerable amount of time and cost."