Death of pensioner who choked on food at care home to be probed …
A fatal accident inquiry[1] (FAI) will be held after a pensioner died after choking on food in a Greenock care home[2].
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed it will begin the process for an FAI into the death of Robert McPaul.
Mr McPaul died at the age of 70 in Sir Gabriel Wood’s Mariners’ Home on March 30, 2018 after choking on food that was ‘not appropriate for his dietary requirements’.
A preliminary hearing is set for 19 July 2023 at Greenock Sheriff Court.
The FAI will determine the cause of death, the circumstances in which the deaths 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 inquiry will explore the circumstances of Robert McPaul’s death, with particular focus on control and supervisory measures in relation to dietary requirements during meals.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of Robert McPaul 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.
“Mr McPaul’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”