All three had been involved with services provided by Greater Glasgow Health Board prior to their deaths.
The inquiry is a discretionary inquiry under section 4(1)(a)(ii) and 4(1)(b) of the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016.
A Preliminary Hearing will be held on 4 October 2024 at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths 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 future deaths in similar circumstances.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
This Inquiry will explore the circumstances of all three deaths, with an anticipated focus on the care and treatment the deceased received.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS said:
“The Lord Advocate considers that the deaths of Stephen Britt, Andrew Judge and Colleen Higgins occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a joint discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held.
“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.
“The families will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
Further information
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries, see the Crown’s guide