A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is to take place into the death of a baby who passed away just hours after he was born. Grayson McEwan was born on October 22, 2022, but sadly died a short time later.
The tot was born in the early hours of the morning at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Renfrewshire. But he died that afternoon at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said on Wednesday a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of the youngster had been lodged.
A preliminary hearing has been set for March 11, 2025, at Glasgow Sheriff Court. The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is to determine the cause of death and the circumstances in which the deaths occurred.
They also seek 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. The inquiry will explore the circumstances of Grayson’s death.
The Crown Office said particular focus will be on the assessment and response to his mother’s condition and adequate contingency planning at Royal Alexandra Hospital in the context of high clinical activity.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Grayson McEwan occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held. “
The prosecutor, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, added: “The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence. Grayson’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
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