Family of ‘beautiful’ woman hope FAI will provide answers about her death

The family of a “clever, beautiful” woman who died from pregnancy complications in 2021 have said they hope a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) will give them the answers they need to “move forwards”.

Hannah McInally, 24, died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on November 23, 2021, having suffered an undiagnosed ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

In March, the Crown Office announced an FAI 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 saying they hope the inquiry will address their “unanswered questions”.

The statement, issued through law firm Digby Brown, 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.

FAI into death of 24-year-old from pregnancy complications to hear from partner
Who is the Golders Green terror attack suspect Essa Suleiman?

Starmer calls for nation to 'open eyes on Jewish pain' after attack - live
Former Spandau Ballet singer jailed for 14 years for rape and sexual assault
“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.”
During the hearing, fiscal depute Alan Morrison confirmed Ms McInally’s partner Mr Strachan will be among those giving evidence.

He said it may be possible for him to do so through a written affidavit, to avoid him having to give evidence to the inquiry 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 also used the short hearing to outline the three main areas the inquiry will be looking into.

The first, he said, is the call to NHS 24 in relation to Ms McInally’s condition on November 11 2021 and “whether that was dealt with appropriately and reasonably by NHS 24”.

Secondly, the inquiry will examine the assessment of two Grampian health board out-of-hours doctors in relation to Ms McInally.

Thirdly, it will look at the measures taken by the health board and NHS 24 following Ms McInally’s death, and “whether they might realistically prevent death in the future”.

Mr Morrison also told the hearing the Crown has prepared a list of 11 witnesses, but it may not be necessary to call all of them.

He said two further expert witnesses would be required – one in gynaecology and one in nursing practice.

Sean White, representing NHS Grampian, said his client has also instructed a GP expert to give evidence to the inquiry.

Mr Morrison said four court days would be required for all the evidence to be heard.

During the hearing, Scott Clair, representing NHS 24, expressed his client’s sympathy for Ms McInally’s bereaved family.

“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,” he said.

“NHS 24 will do its utmost to assist this inquiry and will be open to any learning that can be derived from it.”
This was echoed by Sheriff Ian Wallace, who said despite the “technical and procedural” nature of the hearing, everyone is aware of the “tragic nature” of Ms McInally’s death.

He said a further preliminary hearing would take place in three months.

The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the death 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.

Andy Shanks, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, previously said: “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.

“The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.

“Hannah’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”