Family Seeks Clarity on Woman's Death from Ectopic Pregnancy
The family of Hannah McInally, a 24-year-old woman who died due to complications from an undiagnosed ruptured ectopic pregnancy, are pursuing an inquiry to better understand the circumstances surrounding her death.
Hannah McInally passed away at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 23 November 2021. She resided in Aberdeen and was originally from Dundee.
Fatal Accident Inquiry Commences
The fatal accident inquiry (FAI) process began on Thursday with a preliminary hearing. The case was adjourned and will continue later in the year.
Following the hearing, Hannah's relatives expressed hope that the FAI would assist them in comprehending the events, aiding their grieving process and helping them move forward.
"Hannah was a kind, clever, beautiful and contagiously happy young woman and her untimely loss continues to be felt by everyone who knew her,"
"We have always believed there were failings at NHS Grampian that directly contributed to her death,"
"It is therefore with much anticipation we now await the health board's evidence because, to date, we feel like it has failed to fully answer all our questions we believe would help us understand, grieve and move forwards."
The family, who issued the statement through legal firm Digby Brown, added:
"Our thanks go to those who have supported us since Hannah's passing but for the duration of the FAI we request our privacy is respected so we can give it our full attention and process things in our own time."
Inquiry Details and Perspectives
Fiscal depute Alan Morrison, representing the Crown, indicated during the hearing that the scope of the inquiry's issues requires refinement. He proposed three specific issues for examination, though these were not detailed in the statement.
Mr. Morrison noted the difficulty in estimating the duration of the FAI but suggested it could take at least four days.
Yvonne Waugh KC, counsel for the family, described Hannah's death as a "deeply distressing" matter.
Scott Clair, counsel for NHS24, referred to the case as "truly tragic" and conveyed sympathies to the family, sentiments echoed by Sheriff Ian Wallace, who is presiding over the inquiry.
The case was adjourned for three months to a further preliminary hearing, with the date yet to be determined.
Unlike criminal proceedings, fatal accident inquiries focus on establishing facts rather than assigning blame.
Official Statements and Responses
Andy Shanks, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, previously stated:
"The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Hannah McInally occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and as such a discretionary fatal accident inquiry should be held."
NHS Grampian has declined to comment at this time.
