No FAI for new mum discovered in disused Edinburgh Royal Infirmary stairwell
Amanda Cox wasn't found for several hours
Last updated 15th Mar 2022
There will not be a fatal accident inquiry into the death of a new mum, who it's though became lost and collapsed in a disused stairwell at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
On 10th December 2018, 34-year old Amanda Cox suffered a brain haemorrhage while looking for painkillers a few days after giving birth and wasn't found for seven hours.
The Crown Office said the decision had been made after NHS Lothian set out the lessons it has learned since, meaning that an FAI would not be in the public interest.
A statement issued by Marina Urie, a senior lawyer with Thompsons Solicitors, on behalf of Mrs Cox's husband, Michael, and her family, said: "The publication today by NHS Lothian of their new safety measures comes three years too late for Amanda.
"Had these basic, common sense measures been in place then Amanda would not have lost her life in the tragic circumstances she did.
"Amanda was a beautiful, caring person and a wonderful wife. She had just become a mother to our son. She did not deserve such a catalogue of errors in her care from NHS Lothian.
"The statement today from the health board barely mentions her and is very cold and unfeeling. We just hope that because of Amanda's tragic death no other family has to go through the horror that our family has."
Changes to the hospital
An NHS Lothian review found Amanda, who was from Peebles, left the neonatal unit by going through a fire door by mistake and the health board has made changes to the physical environment and CCTV coverage around the hospital.
Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director at NHS Lothian, said: "The death of Mrs Cox was a deeply tragic occurrence and our sincere condolences remain with her family. We are so sorry that she died in our care.
"NHS Lothian conducted a thorough investigation to help prevent a similar tragedy happening again. The recommendations about the physical area were implemented immediately and clinical recommendations have also been shared with obstetric and neurology services across Scotland to help develop national guidance.
"Following the review, a robust action plan was put in place to improve maternity patient pathways, upgrade signage and wayfinding and extend CCTV surveillance throughout the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh."
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Katrina Parkes, head of the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: "The decision not to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry has been taken in consultation with Amanda Cox's family, who have suffered a terrible loss, and I would like to thank them for their patience and co-operation.
"NHS Lothian have provided assurance that significant changes have been made since Amanda's death and I sincerely hope the lessons learned will help prevent similar deaths in the future."