A fatal accident inquiry into the death of newborn Sophia Smith started on Monday, investigating claims that an infection from a poorly maintained hospital led to her death. Sophia was born at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley but was transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow due to breathing difficulties and a possible heart issue.
Initially improving, she suddenly deteriorated on April 10, 2017, developing sepsis and suffering severe lung bleeding. She died the following day at just 11 days old. Her mother, Theresa Smith, testified that she believes the hospital caused her daughter’s fatal infection.
Sky News reports that Lab tests confirmed Sophia had PVL-MSSA, a dangerous strain of staphylococcus aureus, which can enter the body through medical lines. Despite one-on-one care, Sophia Smith’s mother questioned how staff failed to detect the infection or her rapid decline.
Her father, Matthew Smith, described their struggle to get answers, citing resistance from hospital staff and missing documents. A doctor reportedly told them Sophia’s case was “just bad luck.”
An inspection in 2016 did not detect infection issues, but it did not assess the NICU. A later investigation into infections at QEUH linked to its built environment found no connection to Sophia’s death. However, her case remains under scrutiny as part of a broader safety review.
The Smiths continue to seek answers about what led to Sophia’s tragic death, as the inquiry remains ongoing.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
