A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is set to examine the deaths of three individuals who passed away following treatment under the Greater Glasgow Health Board. The inquiry, scheduled to begin on 4 October at Glasgow Sheriff Court, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Stephen Britt, Andrew Judge, and Colleen Higgins, who died between late 2018 and early 2019.
The primary goal of the FAI is to determine the cause of death and assess whether any reasonable precautions could have been taken to prevent these fatalities. Unlike criminal proceedings, the inquiry’s purpose is not to assign blame but to uncover the facts and recommend measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The Individuals Involved
Stephen Britt, aged 40, was discovered deceased at his residence in Govanhill, Glasgow, on 28 November 2018. Andrew Judge, 37, died in hospital on 4 December 2018, after an incident at Glasgow Central Station. The third individual, 22-year-old Colleen Higgins, died in hospital on 9 February 2019, following an incident at her home in Balloch.
While specific details about the medical treatment received by Britt, Judge, and Higgins remain undisclosed, the FAI will focus on scrutinising the healthcare provided by the Greater Glasgow Health Board. The inquiry aims to determine whether the care they received was appropriate and whether any shortcomings may have contributed to their deaths. The findings of the inquiry could potentially lead to recommendations for changes in medical practices to prevent similar occurrences.
Focus of the Inquiry
The inquiry will be conducted under the guidance of a sheriff, who will examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths to identify any potential failures in the duty of care. The process will seek to establish whether such failures played a role in the fatalities and whether there were opportunities to prevent them.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has indicated that the deaths of Britt, Judge, and Higgins have raised significant public concerns, warranting a thorough investigation through a joint discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry.
This investigation is intended to ensure a comprehensive examination of the facts. The spokesperson also assured that the families of the deceased will be kept informed of any significant developments as the proceedings unfold, providing them with transparency and, hopefully, a sense of closure.
Legal Context and Potential Impact
Fatal Accident Inquiries are a crucial part of the Scottish legal system, serving as public investigations into deaths that occur under circumstances which might pose a risk to public safety or where there is suspicion of systemic failings. Unlike criminal or civil cases, FAIs focus on fact-finding and making recommendations for the future rather than determining guilt or liability.
Throughout the inquiry, the sheriff will review the events leading up to the deaths, analyse the actions of healthcare professionals and other relevant parties, and assess whether there were missed opportunities to prevent the fatalities. While the sheriff’s recommendations are not legally binding, they carry significant weight and often lead to changes in practices and procedures.
This inquiry is being launched at a time when there is increasing scrutiny on health boards across Scotland. The Greater Glasgow Health Board, in particular, has faced several challenges in recent years, including concerns over infection control and delays in treatment. The findings of this FAI could potentially lead to heightened pressure on the health board to implement reforms aimed at improving patient safety.
Broader Implications and Public Interest
The deaths of Britt, Judge, and Higgins have understandably sparked concern among their local communities and within healthcare advocacy circles. The fact that all three were receiving care from the same health board at the time of their deaths has raised questions about the consistency and quality of care provided.
Inquiries like this one are essential for maintaining public trust in the healthcare system. They offer a platform for accountability and transparency, ensuring that any potential failures are identified and addressed. The outcomes of the FAI could have implications not only for the Greater Glasgow Health Board but also for health services throughout Scotland.
In addition to examining the specific circumstances of these cases, the inquiry may also bring to light broader systemic issues within the health board. This could include areas such as staffing levels, the adequacy of training for healthcare professionals, and the effectiveness of communication and coordination between various departments and facilities.
The forthcoming Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths of Stephen Britt, Andrew Judge, and Colleen Higgins marks a significant moment for the Greater Glasgow Health Board. As the inquiry progresses, it will provide an opportunity to scrutinise the care provided to these individuals and to ensure that any lessons learned are applied to prevent future tragedies.
The proceedings at Glasgow Sheriff Court will be closely monitored by both the public and healthcare professionals. While the inquiry will not seek to assign blame, its findings could lead to substantial changes in how healthcare services are delivered, with the ultimate goal of improving patient safety and preventing similar deaths in the future.
