Inquiry into death of newborn girl at Scotland's largest hospital begins

A hearing into the death of a newborn girl at Scotland’s largest hospital is under way.

Sophia Smith died at 11 days old at the Royal Hospital for Children, at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus, after contracting a toxic infection on April 11, 2017.

A preliminary hearing for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of Sophia took place at Glasgow Sheriff Court which was attended by both parents.

Advocate depute for the inquiry Chris Fyffe KC opened proceedings by stating: “I wish to offer the Crown’s condolences for the loss of Sophia Smith – their baby – today.”

The hearing – which is preliminary set for ten days next February – was told that a large portion of the evidence is already agreed by a joint minute document.

Mr Fyffe said: “Sophia throughout her short life was nursed within the neonatal intensive care unit which is part of the retained part of the campus and not part of the new building which is subject to the ongoing Scottish Hospital Inquiry. This has been agreed between parties.”

“I intend to narrow down the scope of oral evidence.

“Affidavits are prepared so that the way the Crown envisage FAI to proceed are experts referring to their reports and oral evidence.”

The hearing was also told that Sophia’s mum and dad will also give evidence at the inquiry.

Mr Fyffe stated that they will also provide written affidavits prior to the inquiry.

He added: “They are free to change the affidavits and adopt whatever they want to.

“I want to say in a public forum that the purpose for them is to provide a foundation for them to reduce the traumatic evidence that they have to give.”

The advocate depute stated that there may be live video evidence given by those who live a distance from the court and busy experts including pathologist Dawn Penman.

Mr Fyffe stated that the Crown were in a position to fix a five-day hearing but with further experts expected to be cited, this would be extended to ten days.

Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar responded that she would not fix set dates but pencil the February period in.

She said: “I am aware of the anniversary of Sophia’s birth and death will follow after the inquiry.”

Also represented at today/yesterday’s hearing was Emma Toner for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board.

Iain Mitchell KC, who is acting for Sophia’s parents, told the hearing that he initially intends to instruct four experts to produce reports.

He said: “On behalf of Mr and Mrs Smith, thank you your ladyship for taking your time to meet with them this morning and the obvious care and sympathy that the court is approaching.

“I hope that in a constructive light we can learn for the future.”

A further hearing will take place later in the year.