A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the death of a 24-year-old woman from pregnancy complications will hear evidence from her bereaved partner. Hannah McInally died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on November 23, 2021, after suffering an undiagnosed ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
In March, the Crown Office announced that a FAI would be held into her death. During a preliminary hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday, fiscal depute Alan Morrison confirmed that Ms McInally's partner, Scott Strachan, will be among those giving evidence. Mr Morrison suggested it may be possible for Mr Strachan to provide evidence through a written affidavit to avoid the distress of appearing in person.
Mr Morrison outlined three main areas of inquiry. The first concerns the call to NHS 24 regarding Ms McInally's condition on November 11, 2021, and whether it was handled appropriately. The second focuses on the assessment of two Grampian health board out-of-hours doctors. The third examines measures taken by the health board and NHS 24 after Ms McInally's death to prevent future fatalities.
Mr Morrison stated that the Crown has prepared a list of 11 witnesses, though not all may be called, and two additional expert witnesses—one in gynaecology and one in nursing—will be required. Sean White, representing NHS Grampian, confirmed that a GP expert has also been instructed. Four court days are expected to hear all evidence.
Scott Clair, representing NHS 24, expressed sympathy for Ms McInally's family, stating, "This is a truly tragic case... NHS 24 will do its utmost to assist this inquiry." Sheriff Ian Wallace acknowledged the tragic nature of the death and scheduled a further preliminary hearing in three months.
In a statement through law firm Digby Brown, Ms McInally's family and Mr Strachan said: "Hannah was a kind, clever, beautiful and contagiously happy young woman... We have always believed there were failings at NHS Grampian that directly contributed to her death." They await the health board's evidence, feeling their questions remain unanswered.
The FAI aims to determine the cause of death, the circumstances, and any reasonable precautions to prevent similar deaths. Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial, focusing on facts rather than blame. Andy Shanks of the Crown Office previously stated that the Lord Advocate considered the death a matter of serious public concern, warranting a discretionary FAI.
