FAI into the deaths of two toddlers at a Glasgow hospital gets underway

A hearing into the deaths of two toddlers who died in hospital has begun today.

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

Cailyn - who was 23-months old - and Sonny - aged 22 months - were not treated by the same doctors nor encountered each other at hospital.

A preliminary hearing took place by video link at Glasgow Sheriff Court into the deaths.

It was stated that the inquiry could last three weeks with each death being discussed one after another.

Both families were represented at the hearing and will appear when the inquiry begins at a later date.

The Greater Glasgow Health Board and a doctor will also have lawyers appearing for them.

Fiscal Alice Carey represented the Crown but it is understood an advocate depute is to be appointed for the start of the proper inquiry.

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.

A further preliminary hearing will take place in May in person within the court building.

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