By Ryan Quinn

Isaac Tocher, 8, Dunfermline, suffers from autism spectrum disorder and now suffers from severe migraines and photophobia, which his mum Vicki Tocher, 34, believes are attributed to the injury.

Official notes show that an NHS staff member, witnessed the incident. The notes said: “Isaac was banging [his] head off [a] wall. Was distressed. Staff monitored through door.”

“The colleague felt they had kept the door closed on Isaac when he tried to come out. The NHS colleague felt that de-escalation strategies were not being used.”

Fife Council have admitted that his former primary school failed to properly inform Isaac’s parents about the incident and have since apologised.

Vicki has also alleged poor treatment of Isaac by NHS Fife because of a delay in treatment that she fears has contributed to his worsening symptoms.

A paediatrician, known as Dr. A, said in notes dated 17/11/2024 that they were unaware of the incident and resulting injury until that date. However, further correspondence reveals that Dr. A was aware of the incident just three days after it took place, in June 2024.

Vicki believes that this mistake led to the delay of an MRI, which could have revealed the full extent of the injury much earlier, and allowed for better treatment.

Vicki said: “Isaac’s deterioration is not simply a medical failure; it is a devastating human failure. Isaac deserves care that reflects his actual condition, not a fabricated version of it.”

An NHS Fife Spokesperson said: “NHS Fife is unable to comment on individual patients for confidentiality reasons. However, we remain in contact with Mr and Mrs Tocher in relation to their son’s care.”

In her fight for justice, Vicki has attracted national attention, including from the highest levels of the Scottish Government. Earlier this year she met with the First Minister, John Swinney, and Professor Craig White, Scottish Government Divisional Clinical Lead, at Bute House to discuss her concerns. In addition, she has met with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray and in December will be meeting with Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.

Vicki with John Swinney and Jenni Gilruth

Speaking about the upcoming meeting with the Education Secretary, Vicki said: “I would like to discuss Isaac’s original incident and request a review on the full circumstances involved to identify errors which can be learned from, to provide my family with the closure that we deserve.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “The First Minister met with the family to hear directly about their concerns. Where families have concerns or suggestions for improvements they should expect to feel supported, listened to and involved in working with staff to resolve these.

“The Scottish Government wants to assure all parents and carers that the health and wellbeing of children and young people remain a priority for this government – improving care and ensuring that families receive the support they need in a timely manner.”

Mother-of-three alleged that an incident at her son’s school left him with severe head injuries