Sara MacRae: Hospital staff could have stopped suicide – inquiry

Christopher and the family welcomed Sheriff Stirling’s determination.

In a statement, they said: “We hope that broad recognition of these deficiencies and corrective action at the institutional, regional and national level, will begin to bring the management of mental health patients in line with expectations in other areas of healthcare.”

Earlier this year BBC Scotland revealed the door in Dr MacRae’s room had been assessed as a “high risk” for suicide attempts the year before she took her own life.

But it has still not been replaced and a £5m programme to upgrade all the REH’s single bedroom doors has not yet started – despite the work being described as “urgent” in 2022 – due to funding pressures.

Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian said: “We once again express our sincere condolences to Christopher and his family.

“Following Dr MacRae’s death, a Serious Adverse Event Review was carried out, led by qualified individuals out with NHS Lothian. The output of this was an extensive improvement action plan, which has been worked through and audited.

“It is important to stress that the doors within the Royal Edinburgh Hospital are compliant and meet the required safety standards.”