First Notice for Inquiry Launched by Crown Office into Death of Newborn Girl

The first notice to begin court proceedings for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of baby Sophia Smith, who died at the Royal Hospital for Children at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow in 2017, has been lodged. Sophia was just 11 days old when she passed away from an infection similar to MRSA that developed into sepsis. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has announced that a preliminary hearing is set for May 7, 2024, at Glasgow Sheriff Court to examine her death and determine the cause and circumstances surrounding it.

Fatal Accident Inquiries (FAIs) aim to establish the cause of death, the circumstances that led to it, and whether any precautions could have been taken to prevent it. They also look at what actions can be implemented in the future to minimize the chances of similar deaths occurring. FAIs do not assign blame to individuals but instead focus on establishing facts. In Sophia’s case, the inquiry will explore the role of the infection in her death, the standard of care she received, and the communication surrounding her treatment.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who oversees death investigations for Copfs, stated that the Lord Advocate believes Sophia Smith’s death raised significant public concern and warrants a full public hearing through an FAI. The lodging of the first notice allows FAI proceedings to begin under the sheriff’s direction, with Sophia’s family being kept informed of significant developments as the court process unfolds. This inquiry will shed light on the circumstances leading to Sophia’s tragic death and examine the responses and care provided by the hospital staff.

Sophia Smith’s case is part of a broader investigation into deaths at QEUH, including other fatalities like that of 10-year-old leukaemia patient Milly Main. Police launched an investigation into these deaths, and Sophia Smith’s case was handed over to the Crown Office in 2020. Despite the decision not to bring criminal charges at that time, Copfs had stated that this could change if more evidence emerged. The delay in addressing the concerns surrounding these tragic deaths has led to calls for resignations, with MSP Paul O’Kane speaking out on behalf of Sophia’s parents, Theresa and Matthew Smith, who reside in his constituency.

As the FAI into Sophia Smith’s death progresses, it will focus on uncovering the facts surrounding her infection, treatment, and care at the hospital that ultimately led to her passing. The inquiry will also examine the procedures and protocols in place at the hospital and whether any improvements or changes can be made to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The FAI process, while not assigning blame, aims to provide answers to questions and ensure transparency in cases where there is significant public concern. The upcoming preliminary hearing will mark the beginning of a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sophia Smith’s untimely death in 2017.