FAI into boy’s hospital death to limit clinicians called to court, sheriff told

A fatal accident inquiry examining the circumstances of the death of a three-year-old boy in a children’s hospital will aim to limit the number of clinicians required to give evidence, a court has heard.

Archie Donald died on November 20, 2019 at the Royal Hospital for Children, which is part of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus in Glasgow.

A discretionary fatal accident inquiry (FAI) was previously announced by the Crown Office, to take place on October 7 at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

A preliminary hearing at the court on Friday heard lawyers plan to limit the number of medics giving evidence by using written statements.

A previous hearing was told the FAI is expected to examine staffing levels and that a microbiologist will be called to give evidence about the built environment of the hospital, as well as paediatric consultants from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).

At the hearing on Friday, fiscal depute Amanda Allan said: “Discussions are ongoing between all parties, there is excellent collaboration in terms of agreement and trying to limit requirement for clinicians in this case to come to court.”

Details about the building will be included in the joint minute, the court also heard.

Advocate Victoria Arnott, representing one of the doctors, said the medic “thought it may be of assistance to provide a detailed written statement”.

She added: “There is ongoing collaboration in relation to the joint minute. I’m optimistic it will be agreed by the time the diet starts.”

Kate Bennett, representing NHSGGC, said: “There has been extensive discussion about the joint minutes.”

Concluding the hearing on Friday, Sheriff Kerr said: “Thank you all very much, I’m very pleased that you have been collaborating in relation to this matter.

“I will simply continue to the inquiry itself.”