Southend boy died after asthma attack, an inquest heard

William Gray died aged 10

A 10-year-old boy died after suffering an asthma attack, an inquest has heard.

William Gray died at Southend University Hospital at about 02:00 BST on 29 May 2021.

The inquest was told William, from Southend, died after a cardio respiratory arrest due to acute and severe asthma.

Speaking at the inquest in Chelmsford, his mum Christine Hui paid tribute to her "cheeky" son and said having him as a child was a "gift".

She added that William was a "clever bright boy" who dreamt of being a doctor when he grew up.

He suffered from asthma and eczema from the age of two, she told the inquest.

999 call

His asthma was generally well-controlled and he had not been admitted to hospital for any asthma attacks in the last three years before October 2020.

But Ms Hui rang 999 after William was struggling to breathe in the early hours of 27 October 2020.

She began CPR after being instructed by the call handler while the paramedics were on their way.

Paramedics took him to hospital with blue lights and he was discharged four hours later.

Nine days later, during a home visit, an asthma nurse changed William's inhaler and he was prescribed steroids.

In spring 2021, William's asthma began to get worse again and Ms Hui spoke to his GP, the asthma nurse and the GP practice nurse a few weeks before he died.

His medication was not changed and he was not referred for any further care.

His mum slept in the same bed as her son every night up until he died on 29 May 2021.

William suffered from an asthma attack and following two 999 calls, he collapsed shortly after paramedics arrived.

She said she felt as though doctors "did not fully understand the seriousness" of William's asthma before he died.

Sonia Hayes, area coroner for Essex, said "This is a very difficult day for everyone."

The inquest is set to run for 10 days.