Family of ‘kind and clever’ young teacher who died from pregnancy complications demand answers ahead of probe

Hannah McInally, 24, died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in November 2021 after an undiagnosed ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

The family of “kind and clever” young teacher who died after suffering pregnancy complications have demanded answers from health chiefs as a probe gets underway.

Hannah McInally, 24, died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 23 November 2021 after an undiagnosed ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

A fatal accident inquiry was ordered by the Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, where the full circumstances will be investigated.

Ahead of a preliminary hearing on Thursday, Hannah’s family and her partner Scott Strachan said they hope the probe will address their unanswered questions.

They said in a statement via law firm Digby Brown: “Hannah was a kind, clever, beautiful and contagiously happy young woman and her untimely loss continues to be felt by everyone who knew her.

“We have always believed there were failings at NHS Grampian that directly contributed to her death and, to us, the mere existence of an FAI confirms there to be truth in this and it’s now simply an exercise in publicly disclosing what went wrong and why.

“It is therefore with much anticipation we now await the health board’s evidence because, to date, we feel like it has failed to fully answer all our questions that we believe would help us understand, grieve and move forwards.

“Our thanks go to those who have supported us since Hannah’s passing but for the duration of the FAI we request our privacy is respected so we can give it our full attention and process things in our own time.”

Ectopic pregnancy affects one in 90 pregnancies in the UK, occurring when a foetus develops outside the womb.

It can be fatal if untreated.

The FAI is expected to look at the adequacy of healthcare provided by NHS Grampian and NHS 24.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said last month that Hannah’s death raises serious public concern and warrants an inquiry in the public interest.

Following Hannah’s death, hundreds of tributes were posted to her online and fundraising events raised more than £35,000 in her memory.

She was described as an “intelligent, honest, beautiful and kind young woman” by her partner, who raised more than £12,000 for the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in 2024.

Scott’s fundraiser said his life was “forever changed” when he lost Hannah, who had “so much to look forward to”.

He said: “She had just embarked on her career as a teacher and was already making a positive impact at her school. Hannah was the star in many people’s lives, but especially in mine.

“In honour of Hannah’s memory, I am aiming to continue to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy and to raise funds in support of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.”

Hannah’s devastated dad Mark had also paid tribute to his “wonderful wee girl”, saying she “warmed the hearts of all who knew her”.

He said: “She was a strong, intelligent, inspiring and dynamic individual who had embarked on her career as a high school teacher where reaching the top was only a matter of time.

“I will always love you.”

Family and friends later organised a charity dinner dance in her hometown of Dundee in aid of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.

Announcing the FAI last month, Andy Shanks of the COPFS said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Hannah McInally occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held.”

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