Freya died at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow on 28 July 2018. Freya was seven days old.
In his determination, Sheriff Barry Divers made a recommendation in relation to staffing levels within labour wards, post- natal wards, maternity assessment units and other hospital maternity related areas.
The sheriff also made a recommendation in relation to UK policy on screening for Group B Streptococcus (“GBS”).
Following a detailed investigation by the Procurator Fiscal, the Lord Advocate decided that it was in the public interest to hold a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry to look at the full circumstances surrounding Freya’s death.
The Procurator Fiscal, who acts in the public interest, provided comprehensive information to the Inquiry and led evidence on the facts and circumstances of Freya’s death.
Following the publication of the determination, Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS said:
“Freya Murphy’s mother and father and their family have my deepest sympathy for all they have suffered.
“I hope that these proceedings provided them with the answers they sought, and the sheriff’s detailed determination helps to prevent similar deaths in the future.”
Further information
As the independent death investigation authority for Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has a duty to investigate all sudden, suspicious, unexplained, and unexpected deaths, as well as deaths which have occurred in circumstances that give rise to serious public concern.
More information on our role in the investigation of deaths can be found at Our role in investigating deaths | COPFS
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries see the Crown’s guide