A report investigating the care and treatment of Yusuf Mahmud Nazir prior to his death will be published on Thursday 5 October 2023 at 00.01.

Background

Yusuf was five years old and from Rotherham when he died on 23 November 2022 at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The cause of death recorded on his death certificate is:

• I (a) Type 1 Respiratory Failure
• I (b) Pneumonia
• II Tonsilitis

On 12 November 2022, Yusuf developed a temperature during the night and by Sunday morning on 13 November 2023 he was feeling generally unwell. By the evening of 14 November 2022, he had a sore throat. He was not able to talk, eat and was having difficulties sipping water.

On 15 November 2022, Yusuf’s mum took him to his GP. He was seen by an advanced nurse practitioner and prescribed antibiotics for his sore throat. In the evening, Yusuf was taken to Rotherham General Hospital. Yusuf had difficulties breathing in the waiting area, but this was not seen by medical staff. However, this was seen by a member of the public who reported their concerns to staff along with Yusuf’s family. The doctor said it was the ‘worst case of tonsillitis he had ever seen,’ but Yusuf was not admitted to hospital.

By 18 November 2022, there was no improvement in Yusuf’s condition, so his uncle called the GP and Rotherham General Hospital begging for him to be admitted. He was told ‘there are no beds and not enough doctors.’

On the same day, the family called 999 and Yusuf was taken by ambulance to Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Sadly, he died five days later.

The Chief Executive of Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust apologised to the family for the care provided. Since then, additional paediatric doctors have been employed by the Trust.

South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (supported by NHS England North East and Yorkshire) commissioned a report into Yusuf’s care and treatment. This report will be published on the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board website on Thursday 5 October 2023 at 00.01.

Yusuf’s family are represented by Anna Thwaites, partner at Bindmans LLP, and Adam Wagner, counsel at Doughty Street Chambers. They specialise in human rights, inquests and public inquiries, and have extensive experience acting for bereaved families.