Christopher Esfakis, 42, was the son of the late Dr Andrew Esfakis, a leading Nassau doctor of Greek descent, and Violet Esfakis, a nurse.
On Saturday, April 20 2002 he admitted himself to Doctors Hospital, suffering from burns to 25 per cent of his body due to a household accident. He walked into the emergency room without any physical assistance.
He was assessed as having sustained an inhalation injury and a treatment programme was put in place by Dr. James Iferenta, his primary care physician. Mr Esfakis' chances of survival and full recovery were put at over 90 per cent.
Sixty-six hours later he was dead. The pathologist noted the cause of death as a) cardio-respiratory arrest, acute pulmonary congestion and edema; and b) airway obstruction due to inhalation injury. His body weight at the time of death was 190 pounds due to excessive fluid intake. When he was admitted he weighed 130 pounds.
Magistrate William Campbell presided over an inquest into Esfakis' death which began in April 2007. About 20 witnesses gave evidence, and the magistrate's verdict was delivered on February 29 2008. The verdict listed the cause of death as "natural causes with a substantive contribution of neglect."
In April 2005 the deceased's sister, lawyer Leandra Esfakis, filed a complaint with the Healthcare Facilities Board. which licenses local hospitals.
The complaint has been ignored under three successive ministers of health, although the law provides that:
1. The Board can select experts to investigate a complaint.
2. The experts report back to the Board.
3. The Board can made recommendations to the Hospital on what it need to do in order to renew its license.
In May, 2008 Ms Esfakis filed a complaint with the Bahamas Medical Council, which governs local doctors.
A civil lawsuit is also pending against Doctors Hospital.
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