Archie Donald: Fatal accident inquiry to examine staffing at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where three-year-old boy died

A fatal accident inquiry is expected to examine staffing levels at a children’s hospital where a toddler died and whether the fabric of the building contributed to his death.

The inquiry will look into the circumstances of the death of three-year-old Archie Donald in November 2019 at the Royal Hospital for Children, which is part of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus in Glasgow.

A preliminary hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday heard a microbiologist will be called to give evidence about the built environment of the hospital and whether it contributed to the death, as well as paediatric consultants from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The inquiry will fully examine the circumstances of Archie’s death, with an expected focus on what role the identification and treatment of a line infection played in his death, the delay in admittance, and record sharing.

It will also consider whether the built hospital environment played a role in the contraction of the infection.

A further preliminary hearing on July 16 will examine a joint minute of agreed evidence, and expert witnesses to be called.

Fiscal depute Amanda Allan said: “It’s anticipated other evidence will be supplied in affidavit form. Perhaps one or two other clinicians who were working during the relevant period. I think NHSGGC may indicate other affidavits from members of hospital staff in terms of staffing on November 19 and 20.

“I wouldn’t anticipate those individuals would be called to give evidence.”

At the hearing it emerged NHS Lothian will also contribute to the inquiry. Ms Allan said records had been received from that health board this week.

The FAI is due to begin on October 7 at Glasgow Sheriff Court and last a week.