Fatal accident inquiry into baby’s death at crisis-hit Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to be held

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) will be held following the death of a baby who died at Glasgow’s crisis-hit ‘super hospital’ after contracting a toxic infection.

Sophia Smith was just 11 days old when she died from MSSA in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in April 2017.

Her parents, Theresa and Matthew Smith, said they felt stuck in a “wasteland” in their efforts to get answers from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The couple, from Inverclyde, who want to know how their daughter contracted the infection claim they were told by a clinician it was just “bad luck”.

The Lord Advocate has now decided that it is in the public interest to hold a FAI to examine the full circumstances surrounding her death.

The decision follows a thorough and independent investigation by the Procurator Fiscal.

Sophia had difficulties breathing at birth and had been transferred to the Queen Elizabeth’s neonatal intensive care unit.

Her health was improving and the family was told she would be home within a few days.

But her condition suddenly deteriorated and she died at 11 days old.

The hospital has faced various allegations over safety concerns since it opened in 2015.

The Crown Counsel have concluded, based on the available evidence, that there will be no criminal proceedings brought as a result of the death, but should additional evidence come to light that decision may be reconsidered.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: “The Lord Advocate has decided that a discretionary FAI should be held into the causes of this tragic death to ensure that there can be a full public hearing of the facts of the case.

“The Procurator Fiscal has now started work to initiate this inquiry and there are a number of legal steps which must be taken before it can commence.

“Sophia’s family will be kept informed of what will happen next.”

A NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spokesperson said: “We would once again like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sophia.

“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will co-operate fully with the Fatal Accident Inquiry and will implement any findings.”