The family of a tragic Scots mum who collapsed and died just hours after giving birth have blasted NHS Lothian for a ‘catalogue of errors’ in her care.
Amanda Cox went missing inside the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on December 10, 2018, sparking a seven hour police search to find her.
The 34-year-old was eventually discovered within a rarely-used hospital stairwell and was pronounced dead a short time later.
Amanda, from Peebles in the Scottish Borders, had just given birth to her premature son Murray when she is thought to have become disoriented after leaving the Neonatal Unit and exiting via a fire door.
Her cause of death was later confirmed as being an intracranial haemorrhage - bleeding in the brain.
NHS Lothian launched an investigation into the circumstances of the tragic incident and have now apologised to her family, including husband Michael.
The Crown Office have also confirmed that a Fatal Accident Inquiry will not be held into the mum-of-one’s death due to changes already implemented by NHS Lothian.
Marina Urie, a senior lawyer with Thompsons Solicitors, has made a statement on behalf of Amanda's husband and family following the announcement.
It read: “The publication today by NHS Lothian of their new safety measures comes three years too late for Amanda.
“Had these basic, common sense measures been in place then Amanda would not have lost her life in the tragic circumstances she did.
“Amanda was a beautiful, caring person and a wonderful wife. She had just become a mother to our son.
“She did not deserve such a catalogue of errors in her care from NHS Lothian. The statement today from the health board barely mentions her and is very cold and unfeeling.
“We just hope that because of Amanda's tragic death no other family has to go through the horror that our family has."
NHS Lothian said they have worked to develop national guidance on the management of headache in pregnancy and care for women with complex obstetric care needs.
Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, said: "The death of Mrs Cox was a deeply tragic occurrence and our sincere condolences remain with her family.
“We are so sorry that she died in our care. NHS Lothian conducted a thorough investigation to help prevent a similar tragedy happening again.
“The recommendations about the physical area were implemented immediately and clinical recommendations have also been shared with obstetric and neurology services across Scotland to help develop national guidance.
"Following the review, a robust action plan was put in place to improve maternity patient pathways, upgrade signage and way-finding and extend CCTV surveillance throughout the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh."
Katrina Parkes, Head of the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit at the Crown Office, added: "The decision not to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry has been taken in consultation with Amanda Cox’s family, who have suffered a terrible loss, and I would like to thank them for their patience and co-operation.
"NHS Lothian have provided assurance that significant changes have been made since Amanda’s death and I sincerely hope the lessons learned will help prevent similar deaths in the future."
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