Inquiry into toddler deaths at Glasgow hospital

Image source, Google

Image caption, The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow

A joint fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is to be held into the deaths of two toddlers on the same day at Glasgow's children's hospital.

Cailyn Newlands and Sonny Campbell died on 6 December 2016 at the Royal Hospital for Children.

They were not treated by the same doctors and did not encounter each other at the hospital.

But the Crown and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said there was sufficient public concern about the circumstances to justify an inquiry.

Cailyn was 23 months old and Sonny was 22 months old when they died.

The inquiry will examine the circumstances of the deaths, including guidance, training and whether the children should have been assessed by a senior doctor.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: 鈥淭he Lord Advocate considers that the tragic deaths of of Cailyn Newlands and Sonny Campbell occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a joint discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held.

A first preliminary hearing will take place at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 8 March.