First Pre-Inquest Review into death of five-year-old Yusuf Nazir takes place

The first Pre-Inquest Review Hearing (PIRH) into the tragic death of five-year-old Yusuf Mahmud Nazir took place on Monday 3rd November 2025 at the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield before HM Assistant Coroner for South Yorkshire West.

Yusuf Mahmud Nazir died on 23 November 2022 at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. There was significant national concern at the time that the death was at least in part caused by lack of staff and beds in two hospitals.

Yusuf first started feeling ill on Sunday 13 November 2022. He was seen by his GP twice on 15 and 18 November 2022. Soniya Ahmed also called 111 on 15 November 2022 and attended Rotherham General Hospital with Yusuf that evening. 

On 18 November 2022, Soniya Ahmed called 999. Yusuf was taken to Sheffield Children’s Hospital by Yorkshire Ambulance Service and admitted to Ward 4. He was diagnosed with tonsillitis and subsequently developed sepsis, respiratory failure and pneumonia. 

There have been two independent investigations into the care and treatment that Yusuf received prior to the formal opening of his inquest in August 2025. 

The second report into Yusuf’s care and treatment was published on 31 July 2025. Criticisms included not listening to the parental voice across multiple medical setting and the care and treatment Yusuf received on Ward 4 of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The report made sixteen recommendations, including national recommendations. 

The full inquest has been listed for March 2026.

Adam Wagner KC is representing Yusuf’s family instructed by Anna Thwaites of Bindmans LLP.

Media coverage includes: BBC, The Yorkshire Post