Milly Main: Parents of Scottish schoolgirl demand FAI into her death at Scottish hospital

The parents of Milly Main, who died after contracting an infection at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, have called for a fatal accident inquiry into her death.

Patrick McGuire of Thompsons Solicitors has written to Lord Advocate James Wolffe on behalf of the 10-year-old's parents Kimberly Darroch and Neil Main.

Milly died after contracting an infection while recovering from leukaemia treatment at a children's cancer ward within the flagship Glasgow hospital.

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Mother of Milly Main says she'd still be alive if hospital had acted earlier on ...
Milly died after contracting an infection while recovering from leukaemia treatment at a children's cancer ward within the flagship Glasgow hospital. Picture: PAMilly died after contracting an infection while recovering from leukaemia treatment at a children's cancer ward within the flagship Glasgow hospital. Picture: PA
Milly died after contracting an infection while recovering from leukaemia treatment at a children's cancer ward within the flagship Glasgow hospital. Picture: PA
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The letter states it is "well recognised that there were significant issues in respect of the water supply at the hospital" and there are "many questions of significant concern as to how she came to be infected".

It adds the public "deserve to know all of the facts in order that they can be assured that every possible lesson has been learned from this tragedy and that their children are safe to receive treatment at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus".

The letter says: "For Milly's parents there is a more fundamental point to consider.

"It is almost three years since they lost their daughter and they have been denied the basic human dignity of being able to grieve the loss of their child because they still do not know what really happened or why.

"They cannot understand how they lost their child and as such their life is anchored to the past. They will not be able to grieve and move on (as best anyone can in such circumstances) until they have the truth.

"To date, they have only been drip-fed some information from the health board. This is not good enough and is a far cry from a full and independent inquiry that seeks to uncover the full facts and circumstances."

The letter adds the family "have no trust or faith in anything that they are told" by the health board responsible for the hospital, and it argues there is precedent for public inquiries being used to fully investigate deaths as a consequence of NHS scandals.

Ms Darroch said: "It has been incredibly painful for us to relive Milly's death, with bits of information slowly being fed to us thanks only to the work of brave NHS whistle-blowers, (Labour MSP) Anas Sarwar and the media.

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"The health board has let us down at every step of the way and kept us in the dark.

"We believe Milly would still be alive today if the managers had listened to all the warnings of infection risk when the QEUH first opened. We have lost all faith in the health board and its leadership

"As a family we have had to consider all options so that we can get answers about Milly's death, and so that no family has to go through this ordeal again.

"We are calling for a fatal accident inquiry to uncover the truth."

Mr Sarwar, who has been leading the campaign for answers over safety at the hospital, said: "The way that Milly's family has been treated is an utter disgrace.

"They have been drip-fed information about their daughter's tragic death, and heads should roll for that.

"If this had happened in the private sector there would be a criminal investigation, which is why there now needs to be a fatal accident inquiry. This is the very least the family deserves.

"We will not stop until we get justice for Milly's parents and until the public receives answers."

A spokesman for the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service said: "I can confirm that we have received correspondence on behalf of the family of Milly Main and will respond in due course."