Dr Macrae died on the evening of 17 March 2020 at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital having initially been admitted to the hospital on 5 February 2020.
This was a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry instructed by the Lord Advocate as she considered that the death of Dr Macrae occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern.
DETERMINATION INTO THE DEATH OF DR SARA LILIAN MACRAE
The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry is to establish the circumstances of the death and to consider what steps, if any, may be taken to prevent other deaths in similar circumstances.
Unlike a criminal trial, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) seeks to establish the facts surrounding the death and is not a hearing which apportions blame.
The Procurator Fiscal, who acts in the public interest in such Inquiry, led evidence on the facts and circumstances of Dr Macrae 's death.
The determination made recommendations in relation to patient observation, access to patient records and alerts on patient’s notes
Following the publication of the determination, Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS said:
“We note the Sheriff’s determination and the recommendations made.
“This was an incident that the Lord Advocate considered the circumstances made a compelling case for a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry.
“The Procurator Fiscal ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Dr Macrae’s death were led in evidence.”
“My thoughts remain with the MacRae family at this difficult time.”
Further information
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries see the Crown’s guide.