A fatal accident inquiry is to be held into the death of a baby girl at a Glasgow hospital.

Sophia Smith was just 11 days old when she died at the Royal Hospital for Children at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus on 11 April 2017.

The newborn became ill with an infection similar to MRSA, which developed into sepsis.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said the circumstances of the newborn’s death gave rise to “significant public concern” to justify a fatal accident inquiry (FAI).

COPFS has now lodged a first notice to begin the court process for the inquiry.

The FAI will examine the circumstances of Sophia’s death, with a particular focus on what role infection played, and the standard of care and communication.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Sophia Smith occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary fatal accident inquiry should be held to ensure there can be a full public hearing of the facts of the case.

“The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.

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

A preliminary hearing will take place at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 7 May.

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Earlier this year, West Scotland MSP Paul O’Kane campaigned on behalf her parents, Theresa and Matthew Smith, who live in his constituency, having called for resignations over delays to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.

Police launched an investigation into the death, alongside other fatalities at QEUH including leukaemia patient Milly Main, 10, who died after a catheter became infected when she was in remission.

In 2020, Sophia’s case was handed over to the Crown Office and a decision was made not to bring criminal charges.

However, a spokesperson from COPFS previously said this could be reversed if more evidence emerged.

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