Inquiry into death of woman found on Glasgow stairwell weeks after hospital admission

An inquiry is to be held after a woman was found dead on a stairwell in Glasgow, weeks after being admitted to a mental health ward.

Sarah Aitken, 59, died near Balmoral Street on August 15, 2022, just weeks after she was admitted to the Rutherford Ward at Gartnavel Royal Hospital on June 21.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry has been ordered into her death, which the Lord Advocate believed gives rise to “serious public concern”.

The probe will look at the adequacy of risk assessment, care planning, and adherence to relevant policies by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and whether opportunities were missed to prevent Sarah’s death.

A preliminary hearing is set for July 22 at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Andy Shanks, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s death investigation authority, said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the tragic death of Sarah Aitken occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held.

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.

“Sarah’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”