THE court process for a joint fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of two toddlers at a Glasgow hospital is set to begin.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a joint inquiry into the deaths of Cailyn Newlands and Sonny Campbell.

23-month-old Cailyn, and 22-month-old Sonny, both tragically died on December 6 at the Royal Hospital for Children in the city.

The two youngsters were not treated by the same doctors and did not encounter each other in the hospital.

Now, a preliminary hearing is set to take place on Friday, March 8 at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The purpose of the inquiry includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the deaths occurred, and establishing 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.

This inquiry will explore the circumstances of Sonny and Cailyn's deaths, with a particular focus on guidance, training, the medical assessments of the youths and whether the children should have been assessed by a Senior Doctor or Consultant.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads death investigations for the COPFS, said: "The Lord Advocate considers that the tragic deaths of of Cailyn Newlands and Sonny Campbell occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a joint discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held.

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.

“The families will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as appropriate, with regard to the welfare and wishes of those involved, as court proceedings progress.”