The family of a young woman who died from pregnancy complications in 2021 have expressed hope that a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) will provide the answers they need to move forward with their lives.
Background of the Case
Hannah McInally, 24, passed away at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on November 23, 2021, after suffering from an undiagnosed ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The Crown Office announced in March that an FAI would be held into her death.
Following a preliminary hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday, Ms McInally's family, including her partner Scott Strachan, issued a statement through law firm Digby Brown. They said they hope the inquiry will address their unanswered questions.
Family's Statement
The statement read: "Hannah was a kind, clever, beautiful and contagiously happy young woman, and her untimely loss continues to be felt by everyone who knew her. We have always believed there were failings at NHS Grampian that directly contributed to her death and, to us, the mere existence of an FAI confirms there to be truth in this, and it's now simply an exercise in publicly disclosing what went wrong and why."
They added: "It is therefore with much anticipation we now await the health board's evidence because, to date, we feel like it has failed to fully answer all our questions that we believe would help us understand, grieve and move forwards. Our thanks go to those who have supported us since Hannah's passing, but for the duration of the FAI we request our privacy is respected so we can give it our full attention and process things in our own time."
Details from the Preliminary Hearing
During the hearing, fiscal depute Alan Morrison confirmed that Mr Strachan will be among those giving evidence. He suggested it may be possible for him to provide evidence through a written affidavit to avoid the distress of appearing in person. "I would never want to put him, Mr Strachan, through what no doubt would be a distressing experience for him," Mr Morrison said.
He outlined three main areas the inquiry will investigate:
- The call to NHS 24 on November 11, 2021, regarding Ms McInally's condition and whether it was handled appropriately.
- The assessment of two Grampian health board out-of-hours doctors concerning Ms McInally.
- The measures taken by NHS Grampian and NHS 24 after her death and whether they could prevent future deaths.
Mr Morrison also stated that the Crown has prepared a list of 11 witnesses, though not all may be called. Two additional expert witnesses—one in gynaecology and one in nursing practice—will be required. Sean White, representing NHS Grampian, said the health board has also instructed a GP expert to give evidence.
Mr Morrison indicated that four court days would be needed to hear all evidence.
Expressions of Sympathy
Scott Clair, representing NHS 24, expressed condolences: "This is a truly tragic case involving the death of a young woman and my sympathies, and the sympathies of those who instruct me, are with Hannah McInally's family. NHS 24 will do its utmost to assist this inquiry and will be open to any learning that can be derived from it."
Sheriff Ian Wallace acknowledged the tragic nature of the case despite the technical proceedings. A further preliminary hearing is scheduled in three months.
Purpose of the FAI
The inquiry aims to determine the cause of death, the circumstances surrounding it, and what reasonable precautions could be taken to prevent similar deaths in the future. Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial and focus on establishing facts rather than assigning blame.
Andy Shanks of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service previously stated: "The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Hannah McInally occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and as such a discretionary FAI should be held. Hannah's family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress."
