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Death investigations

FAI determination with recommendations published following hospital death

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) notes the publication of the determination for the discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Kerry Ann Finnigan.

Date published

28 Jan 2026

Kerry Ann Finnigan, a 26-year-old English Literature graduate, died by suicide at University Hospital Wishaw on 21 December 2019. 

Sheriff Colin Dunipace’s determination makes five important recommendations: 

  • Immediate replacement of all Goelst G‐Rail 4100 ‘anti-ligature’ shower rails currently in operation within NHS Scotland; 

  • All patients admitted to a psychiatric ward in NHS Lanarkshire should be reviewed by a senior clinician within 24 hours of admission; 

  • A review of NHS Lanarkshire policy should take place to ensure sufficient oversight of patients with mental health issues being treated within a medical setting; 

  • A review of policy and guidance set out by NHS Lanarkshire to clearly define the role of the Psychiatric Liaison Nursing Service (PLNS) in transfers between wards or hospitals; 

  • A review by NHS Lanarkshire of the duty Approved Medical Practitioner (AMP) role with consideration given to expanding the role so AMPs can develop care plans where appropriate and particularly for patients who may otherwise wait days to be seen by a senior clinician. 

Determination into the death of Kerry Ann Finnigan    

Unlike a criminal trial, an FAI seeks to establish the facts surrounding the death and is not a hearing which apportions blame.  

The purpose of an inquiry is to establish the circumstances of the death and to consider what steps, if any, may be taken to prevent other deaths in similar circumstances.  

The Procurator Fiscal, who acts in the public interest, led expert evidence on the facts and circumstances of Ms Finnigan’s death at the FAI in which other interested parties were represented.  

Following the publication of the determination, Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s independent deaths investigation authority, said:  

“The Sheriff's determination makes detailed recommendations for both NHS Scotland and NHS Lanarkshire in how they care for psychiatric inpatients. 

“The discretionary FAI followed a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the Procurator Fiscal who ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Kerry’s death were presented in evidence.   

“My thoughts are with Kerry’s loved ones at this time.”   

Further information 

For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries see the Crown’s guide.