An inquiry is set to be held into the death of a man who developed complications with severe leg ulcers. David Ainsworth, 59, died on 22 January 2020 in Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride, after concerns were raised by a home carer.
Mr Ainsworth, of Hamilton, was taken to the hospital on January 20, where his condition deteriorated and he died.
On Thursday the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal said it has lodged a first notice to begin the court process for a discretionary fatal accident inquiry (FAI).
A preliminary hearing will be held on 13 June 2025 at Hamilton Sheriff Court, South Lanarkshire.
The purpose of an FAI is not to attribute blame to any person or party but to determine the cause of death, the circumstances surrounding the death, establish what precautions could have been taken, if any, and to minimise the risk of future deaths in future under similar circumstances.
It will explore the circumstances of Mr Ainsworth’s death, with particular focus on the assessment, support and care he received.
Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “The death of David Ainsworth occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and as such a discretionary fatal accident inquiry should be held.
“An FAI will allow a full public airing of the evidence of the procurator fiscal’s wider investigations with interested parties. The evidence will be tested in a public setting and be the subject of an independent judicial determination.
“Mr Ainsworth’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
Leg ulcers are the most common kind of ulcer according to the NHS, accounting for around 60 per cent of cases. They are estimated to affect around 1 in 500 people in the UK, but become much more common with age. For those over 80, they are estimated to affect around 1 in 50 people.
They are most commonly developed after minor injuries, when persistently high pressure in the veins weakens the skin. Anyone who develops a leg ulcer is advised to contact their GP, as they do not usually heal without treatment.
