![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_JS356077128.jpg\")
The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow is operated by Scotland’s largest health board.(Image: Daily Record)<\/p>\nAn inquiry took place at Glasgow Sheriff Court.<\/p>\n
18:35, 30 May 2025Updated 20:16, 30 May 2025<\/p>\n
The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow is operated by Scotland’s largest health board.(Image: Daily Record)<\/p>\n
A fatal accident inquiry<\/a> into the death of a newborn baby has recommended that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde should review staffing levels across all shifts to ensure that its labour wards are “adequately staffed” at the weekend.<\/p>\n Freya Murphy was born on July 21 2018 at 9.31am in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow<\/a>, and died there on July 28, aged seven days and 12 hours old.<\/p>\n The cause of death was given as global ischemic brain injury associated with acute chorioamnionitis, and a fatal accident inquiry was held at Glasgow Sheriff Court<\/a> in November.<\/p>\n First-time mother Karen Murphy, 32, from Cambuslang<\/a>, South Lanarkshire, and husband Martin Murphy, called for several recommendations to be made, including screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS).<\/p>\n However sheriff Barry Divers<\/a> said that there were “no defects in any system of working which contributed to Freya\u2019s death\u201d and said the death \u201ccould not realistically have been avoided”.<\/p>\n NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde<\/a> said in a statement that the care was “below the standards expected” and that a recommendation had already been adopted.<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile<\/strong><\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n The sheriff\u2019s determination made recommendations that the health board should review staffing levels<\/a> across all shifts to ensure that its labour wards, post-natal wards, maternity assessment units and other hospital maternity related areas are adequately staffed at the weekend and in the evening.<\/p>\n The measure was to have provision in the case of an emergency where two patients require admission to theatre<\/a> at the same time, for the opening of a second operating theatre.<\/p>\n It also recommended that the health board should formerly request that the United Kingdom National Screening Committee (UKNSC)<\/a> give urgent consideration to a review of whether pregnant women routinely be offered screening for GBS.<\/p>\n If such a review is under way, then a copy of this determination<\/a> should be provided to the UKNSC for consideration, according to the determination.<\/p>\n The determination said: “It was clear on the evidence that all those clinicians (doctors and midwives) who spoke to their involvement with Freya, were motivated in their actions by doing what they thought was best for Freya and Mrs Murphy<\/a>.<\/p>\n “It was obvious during their evidence that Freya\u2019s tragic death<\/a> has left a mark upon each of them in different ways which will last for the rest of their professional careers and beyond. For the reasons I have explained, I have not been able to make all the findings or recommendations which they sought.<\/p>\n “However, I hope that the entirety of this FAI process, including the preparation for the evidential hearing<\/a>, the evidence which was led, the submissions made and this determination, has at least addressed the questions which they have about what happened.<\/p>\n “It was suggested that the adoption of routine screening for GBS would be a suitable tribute for Freya<\/a>. I understand why that submission was made. However, if I might respectfully say, I do not consider that would be accurate, even if it were to happen.<\/p>\n “The real tribute to Freya is the obvious love<\/a> carried for Freya by her mother and father, which love has no doubt been passed on to Freya\u2019s siblings.”<\/p>\n Dr Claire Harrow, deputy medical director for acute services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde<\/a> said: “We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family of Freya Murphy, and once again to apologise for the distress they have experienced.<\/p>\n “The care Freya received fell below the standards expected and for this, we are very sorry. We have received the findings from the FAI. The recommendation for NHSGGC<\/a> on staffing has already been implemented.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747398730_254_0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
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