Joshua Haines, Surveyor, Aged 30, Died from untreated diabetes after GP told him to ring 111 when he called three times to ask for urgent help

We have previously written about the dangers of undiagnosed diabetes and ketoacidosis in respect of the tragic case of Lyla Story. A recently reported inquest has further shone a light on the devastating consequences if diabetes is not recognised and treated. On 16 March 2025, Joshua Haines, a 30 year old surveyor, was found dead in his home in Leeds, West Yorkshire. It was subsequently identified that he had died due to untreated diabetes.

In the inquest concerning his death, it has identified by the Assistant Coroner, Naomi McLoughlin, at Wakefield Coroner’s Court that there were missed opportunities to diagnose the diabetes and get Joshua urgent medical help, after he had spoken to a GP 3 times, only 3 days before his passing.

Joshua had sought medical attention from a GP as part of an extended access service, operating from the Park Road Surgery in Guiseley, as he was concerned that he was suffering from diabetes. He reported suffering from severe dehydration, slurred speech and vomiting and the GP advised him to contact 111, the non-emergency NHS number, instead of arranging to see him in person and assess his symptoms.

The GP, Dr Saleh Majid, maintained during the inquest that diabetes had been considered but that they attributed the symptoms to a stomach bug due to the persistent vomiting. The GP acknowlerdged in the hearing that, ‘I could have done things differently on reflection. I have had time to learn and reflect on this tragic case.’

Although it is commendable that Dr Majid has been open and honest as to the failings in the care provided, this will provide little comfort to Joshua’s family, who have been devastated by his death which is described as torn a hole through their hearts.

The inquest was opened in January 2026 and was adjourned until April 2026 so that evidence from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service could be obtained as to what would have happened, had they been contacted by either the GP or by Joshua. Representatives from the ambulance service confirmed that Joshua would have been classed as a category 2 emergency and that an ambulance would have been sent to him within 40 minutes. On arrival, the paramedics would have likely diagnosed diabetic ketoacidosis and begun ensuring that he was hydrated before transporting him to hospital as an emergency.

Ms McLoughlin concluded that she had identified missed opportunities which included a lack of providing a face-to-face assessment at the GP surgery and rather than to call 111, this should have been a 999 call due to the urgent symptoms. Though these failures

had occurred, she could not state during the inquest as to whether this was the ultimate and definite cause of his death. It is common for inquest not to reach such a conclusion, due to the limited remit of what an inquest can cover, namely to find out who the deceased was, and where, when and how they died.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can happen in people with diabetes. It is where a lack of insulin causes harmful substances called ketones to build up in the blood. It can be life threatening and needs urgent treatment in hospital. It can happen when you already have a diagnosis of diabetes but it can also occur, as was likely the case for Joshua, when diabetes first develops.

Usually, symptoms start within 24 hours of diabetic ketoacidosis, these being:

• feeling thirsty
• needing to pee more often
• stomach pain, feeling sick or being sick
• diarrhoea
• breathing more deeply than usual
• breath that smells fruity (like pear drop sweets or nail polish remover)
• feeling tired, sleepy or confused
• blurred vision

It treated, the rate of death from diabetic ketoacidosis is low but if left untreated, as was the case for Joshua, it can lead to the person falling into a coma and dying. We cannot say what the outcome would have been for Joshua, had he received appropriate treatment, but this may have made a crucial difference.

If you or a loved one have encountered failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis of ketoacidosis, which has resulted in a worse outcome, you may be able to bring a claim for clinical negligence. If you would like to discuss the potential to bring a claim, our experienced team are here to help you with considering your options.