A DATE has been set for the start of an inquiry into the tragic death in hospital of Greenock baby girl Sophia Smith.

Newborn Sophia died at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow in April 2017 and her grieving parents Theresa and Matthew have been searching for answers ever since.

Earlier this year the Crown Office said that a Fatal Accident Inquiry would be held to examine the full circumstances surrounding her death.

It has now announced that a preliminary hearing will be held on May 7, after it lodged a formal notice to begin the court process.

West Scotland MSP Paul O'Kane, who has supported the family's cause and spoken in parliament about the case, says he hopes the inquiry will help uncover the truth.

Greenock Telegraph:

Mr O'Kane said: “I welcome the news that the FAI will soon be underway.

“I hope, for the sake of Theresa and Matthew and the memory of Sophia, that this process will establish the truth surrounding her passing.

“Everything that happened at the QEUH must be brought into the open, it has taken too long already and the family deserve answers.

“They will have my full support in the pursuit of the truth.”

Confirming the date for the initial hearing, a senior law officer said there was 'significant public concern' that such an inquiry should be held.

The FAI will put particular focus on what role infection played in Sophia's death, the standard of care she received and communication throughout. 

For the last seven years Sophia's parents Theresa and Matthew have taken on health chiefs in a bid to get answers about what happened to their little girl.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:  “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Sophia Smith occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held to ensure there can be a full public hearing of the facts of the case.  

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff. 

“Sophia’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.” 

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death 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. 

The hearing in May will be held at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

When it was confirmed earlier this year that an FAI would be held into Sophia's death, the development was welcomed by the lawyers acting for the Smith family.

Thompson Solicitors said then:  “We welcome the announcement of a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Sophia and hope this will provide answers to the many questions the Smith family have into the circumstances of their daughters passing.