Report into death of Yusuf Mahmad Nazir to be published

A report investigating the care and treatment of Yusuf Mahmad Nazir prior to his death will be published this Thursday 5 October.

Five-year-old Yusuf from Rotherham died at Sheffield Children’s Hospital on 23 November 2022 after being admitted 5 days earlier. His death was certified as having been caused by Type 1 Respiratory Failure, Pneumonia and Tonsilitis.

Yusuf’s symptoms started with a temperature on 12 November 2022, gradually developing to a state whereby he was unable to talk or eat and was having difficulties sipping water. Yusuf was taken to his GP on 15 November 2022, and there, was prescribed antibiotics for his sore throat by an advanced nurse practitioner.  In the evening, Yusuf was taken to Rotherham General Hospital where he experienced difficulties breathing while waiting to be seen. He was not however admitted for treatment despite his condition being reported to medical staff by his family and a concerned member of the public who observed him in the hospital waiting area. A doctor present at the time said it was the ‘worst case of tonsillitis he had ever seen’.

Three days later as Yusuf’s condition failed to improve, his family – through calls by his uncle to GP and Rotherham General Hospital - sought desperately again to have him admitted to hospital. They were informed ‘there are no beds and not enough doctors’ when refused admission. A final call that day to emergency services saw Yusuf taken by ambulance to Sheffield Children’s Hospital. However, Yussuf sadly died there, five days later.

The Chief Executive of Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust apologised to the family for the care provided, and the Trust has since increased its complement of paediatric doctors.

The Report into Yusuf’s care and treatment due to be published at midnight this Thursday 5 October was subsequently commissioned by South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, supported by NHS England North East and Yorkshire.

Adam Wagner instructed by Anna Thwaites, partner at Bindmans LLP, represents Yusuf’s family.

For further enquiries, please contact our Senior Civil Clerk Sian Wilkins