Deaths of two toddlers at Glasgow Royal Hospital for Children to be investigated

The deaths of two toddlers at a Glasgow hospital are to be investigated.

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

Their deaths will be examined at a Fatal Accident Inquiry in March.

23-month-old Cailyn and 22-month-old Sonny were not treated by the same doctors and didn’t encounter each other while in the hospital.

A preliminary hearing has been set for March 8 at Glasgow Sheriff Court, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has confirmed.

The inquiry will focus on the circumstances of Sonny and Cailyn’s deaths, with particular focus on guidance, training, the medical assessments of the children and whether the children should have been assessed by a senior doctor or consultant.

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

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

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The 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.

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

“The families will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as appropriate, with regard to the welfare and wishes of those involved, as court proceedings progress.”