A pensioner has tragically passed away after choking on food at a nursing home in Midlothian, sparking a probe into the incident. Anne Amos, aged 72, died on September 13, 2021, at Pine Villa Nursing Home located in Loanhead. The news of her death has prompted the initiation of a fatal accident inquiry (FAI), with a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 20 and the official inquiry starting on May 20 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
FAI proceedings do not seek to assign blame but rather aim to investigate the cause of death, the circumstances surrounding it, and determine if any preventive measures could have been taken to avoid similar incidents. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) have submitted the first notice for the inquiry. The inquiry will focus on examining the safety measures and risk assessments implemented by the nursing home to prevent choking hazards and the events leading up to Ms. Amos being left unattended.
Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, responsible for death investigations at COPFS, stated, “The death of Anne Amos occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary fatal accident inquiry should be held. The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff. Ms. Amos’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
The tragic incident has prompted discussions on the importance of safety protocols and supervision in care facilities to ensure the well-being of residents. The inquiry aims to shed light on the events that led to the unfortunate outcome and assess ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The news of Anne Amos’ passing serves as a reminder of the responsibility and duty of care that nursing homes have towards their residents. It highlights the need for stringent safety measures and constant monitoring to safeguard vulnerable individuals in such settings. The outcome of the FAI will hopefully provide insights and recommendations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.