Awaab Ishak death: the coroner’s verdict

https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/insight/awaab-ishak-death-the-coroners-verdict-in-full-79122

16.11.22

Awaab Ishak death: the coroner’s verdict

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Awaab was the first child of Faisal Abdullah and Aisha Amin. Mr Abdullah had come to live in the UK in 2016 from the Sudan. He was joined in 2017 by his wife. Whilst Mr Abdullah has some understanding and ability to converse in English, his wife has very little. This is important when considering the ability of professionals to engage in discussions with the family and when considering the ability of the family to explain any worries or concerns they had and to understand advice.

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Mr Abdullah told the court that in 2017 he had noticed mould developing in the property and had advised RBH of the same. He explained he was told to paint over the mould. I heard that Mr Abdullah painted over the mould and that he did this on more than one occasion. On balance I find as a matter of fact this was the advice given to Mr Abdullah when he reported his concern. On balance I also consider it is more likely than not that Mr Abdullah would not have fully understood to treat the mould with anti-mould treatment / paint.

[…]

On 20 November 2020 Mr Foster, a technical inspector at RBH, told the court he attended 196 Ilminster due to concerns there may be a leak from 196 into a property below. He told the court that Ms Amin was present in the property but he acknowledged he did not have access to an interpreter. He recalled she was quite upset as she showed him around the property.

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He was transferred to Royal Oldham Hospital for observations. This attendance was during the pandemic when only one parent could be present. English was not the first language for Awaab’s mother who was present.

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Awaab was discharged on 20 December 2020. Clear instructions using an appropriate translator should have been provided to the family. It should have been communicated to them that should Awaab have any further breathing difficulties then they must call an ambulance or present directly to the Royal Oldham Hospital.