Fatal accident inquiry to be held into vulnerable woman’s death

A fatal accident inquiry is to be held into the death of a vulnerable woman with a type of pneumonia in a hospital in Lanarkshire.

Jacqueline McQuillan, 50, died of bronchopneumonia in Monklands Hospital in Airdrie on October 29 2018.

Bronchopneumonia is a type of pneumonia which affects the bronchi in the lungs.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a first notice to begin the court process for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into her death.

A preliminary hearing is set for March 7 at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

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 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 Ms McQuillan’s death and focus on the care and treatment provided to her by North Lanarkshire Social Work Department between 2012 and 2018.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for the COPFS, said: “The death of Jacqueline McQuillan occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held.

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.

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

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said the authority is “co-operating fully” with the FAI.