A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the death of Hannah McInally, a 24-year-old woman who died from an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, is scheduled to commence on 1 February. McInally died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in November 2021 after experiencing a rupture that triggered life-threatening complications. The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding her death and establish facts about the care she received.
Ectopic pregnancies develop when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, typically within one of the fallopian tubes. These pregnancies cannot progress normally and pose serious health risks, as the developing tissue can rupture blood vessels and cause severe internal bleeding if left untreated.
Unlike criminal proceedings, fatal accident inquiries are designed to investigate the facts of a death rather than assign criminal responsibility. The Lord Advocate ordered this discretionary inquiry because the death was deemed to have occurred in circumstances of serious public concern.
What will the inquiry examine?
The investigation will focus on three key areas: NHS24's response to McInally's condition on 19 November 2021, the assessments made by two out-of-hours doctors, and actions taken by NHS Grampian and NHS24 following her death. The Crown Office indicated that the inquiry will also consider whether the response from both organisations was adequate and whether any preventive measures could reduce the risk of similar deaths occurring in future.
What do McInally's family hope to achieve?
McInally's relatives have stated they believe failings at NHS Grampian directly contributed to her death. In a previous statement, they expressed their desire for the inquiry to help them understand what happened and move forward with their grief. They said:
"Hannah was a kind, clever, beautiful and contagiously happy young woman and her untimely loss continues to be felt by everyone who knew her."
The family added:
"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."
McInally, who was originally from Dundee and lived in Aberdeen, was described by those close to her as intelligent and warm-hearted.
What is the timeline for proceedings?
A further preliminary hearing is scheduled for November, after which the full inquiry will begin on 1 February. Fiscal depute Alan Morrison, representing the Crown, indicated that four days would be sufficient for the inquiry to complete its examination.
According to reporting on the inquiry's progress, an initial hearing has already taken place, with further proceedings expected as the investigation develops.
Key Facts
- Hannah McInally died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in November 2021 from complications of an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy
- The fatal accident inquiry will examine NHS24 and out-of-hours medical responses and consider whether preventive measures could avoid similar deaths
- The inquiry begins on 1 February, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for November beforehand
- Fatal accident inquiries establish facts rather than assign criminal blame, and this one was ordered due to serious public concern surrounding the death
