Inquest to be launched into death of baby at Glasgow Royal Children’s Hospital

A fatal accident investigation will be launched into the death of a baby girl at a Glasgow hospital.

Sophia Smith was just 11 days old when she died at the Royal Children’s Hospital on the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus on 11 April 2017.

Neonates contract an infection similar to MRSA and develop sepsis.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said the circumstances of the newborn’s death raised “significant public concern” and therefore a Fatal Accident Investigation (FAI) was justified.

COPFS has now issued its first notice initiating court investigation proceedings.

The FAI will investigate the circumstances of Sophia’s death, paying particular attention to the role played by infection and the standards of care and communication.

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

Prosecutor Fiscal Andy Shanks, who is leading the COPFS death investigation, said: “The Attorney General considers that the death of Sophia Smith occurred in circumstances of significant public concern and therefore warrants a fatal accident investigation as appropriate, to ensure a full public hearing on the facts of the case.

“Once the first notice has been submitted, the FAI process can be initiated under the direction of the Sheriff.

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

The preliminary hearing will be Glasgow May 7, Sheriff Court.

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Earlier this year, West Scotland MP Paul O’Kane campaigned on behalf of her parents, Theresa Smith and Matthew Smith, who live in his constituency and have been affected by delays in the Scottish Hospitals inquiry And called for resignation.

Police are investigating the death and others at QEUH, including 10-year-old leukemia patient Milly Main, who died from a catheter infection while she was in remission.

In 2020, Sophia’s case was referred to the Crown Office and it was decided not to pursue criminal charges.

However, a COPFS spokesman previously said this could be reversed if more evidence emerges.