Family of tragic five-year-old Yusuf yet to hear from government

Five-year-old Yusuf was sent home from Rotherham Hospital despite his family begging them to treat him for a throat infection last November after they were told there was a lack of doctors and beds.

He died a week later in Sheffield Children’s Hospital. 

A national independent investigation and public inquiry — led by NHS England, with an external investigation company — began in January into the tragic circumstances.

But Yusuf’s uncle Zaheer Ahmed said the grieving family, from Masbrough, were still waiting for any contact from the government, who have so far not had the “decency to get in touch”.

He praised the support received from local MP Sarah Champion and shadow health secretary Wes Streeting. 

Mr Ahmed said: “We’ve still not had any contact from the government, from the health secretary (Steve Barclay) or their representatives. 

“The opposition party have made contact and we met Wes Streeting who has raised his concerns. 

“He was really nice and very helpful and he raised his concerns, with Sarah Champion, they both wrote a letter to Steve Barclay.

“But it’s upsetting to have to say that they (the government) have not had the decency to get in touch.”

Ms Champion said: “Yusuf’s family have been through hell. The very least they deserve is the courtesy of a reply.” 

A spokesperson for Mr Streeting confirmed the MP had received a reply from the health secretary about the “tragic case” of Yusuf in which he thanked the two MPs for writing to him.

Mr Streeting said: “Listening is the least politicians should do. 

“I cannot understand why the health secretary has still not said a word to Yusuf’s family. 

“The health secretary needs to hear how a five-year-old child was so appallingly failed by the health service, if he is going to put it right. 

“There cannot be any more cases like this allowed to happen.”

The Department of Health and Social Care was approached for comment but did not respond.