Amanda Cox Fatal Accident Inquiry decision

A decision has been made by Crown Counsel that a Fatal Accident Inquiry will not be held into the death of 34-year-old Amanda Cox at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on 10 December 2018, following a thorough and independent investigation by the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit.

The decision was made following discussions with Amanda's family and having regard to the approach taken by NHS Lothian.

A public statement has been issued by NHS Lothian setting out the investigation and the improvements made as a result of Amanda’s death.

Since Amanda’s death, significant changes have been made, with a Serious Adverse Event Review (SAER) and the implementation of an NHS Improvement plan relating to clinical changes and facilities in the hospital.

In their public statement, NHS Lothian have published details of the review, the changes made and the learning points for general practice across Scotland.

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry is to determine the cause of death and to establish what lessons can be learned to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

Crown Counsel are satisfied the reasons for Amanda’s death have been established, lessons have been learned and, as a result, an FAI would not be in the public interest.

Katrina Parkes, Head of the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit of COPFS, said: "The decision not to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry has been taken in consultation with Amanda Cox’s family, who have suffered a terrible loss, and I would like to thank them for their patience and co-operation.

"NHS Lothian have provided assurance that significant changes have been made since Amanda’s death and I sincerely hope the lessons learned will help prevent similar deaths in the future."