A north politician who pressed for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the death, in a house fire, of a disabled Inverness woman is confident health chiefs will act on the findings.
Green MSP John Finnie spoke after a week of evidence was given on the circumstances surrounding the death of spina bifida sufferer Barbara Anderson.
The 51-year-old died in the bedroom of her home in Leyton Drive, Hilton, in August 2013 after she was overcome by fumes.
It later emerged there had been a malfunction in the Telecare alarm unit fitted in the flat, which failed to alert the central call centre, and Mr Finnie supported Ms Anderson’s family throughout their two-year campaign to hold an FAI following the revelation.
And during last week’s inquiry it emerged from the staff responsible for the installation of the unit that the home alarm system was not connected to smoke detectors in her house when she died.
The inquiry also heard that a review carried out by NHS Highland staff in direct response to the fatal fire, found that many more vulnerable people in the Highlands were using alarm systems that were not hooked-up to smoke and heat detectors.
Mr Finnie, a former police officer who knew Ms Anderson when she worked as a civilian employee at Burnett Road police station, said: “I am sure that the sheriff, in drawing their conclusions, will bring some clarity to a tragic case. I have obviously followed this for a long period of time and I am pleased we got the examination it deserved.
“By the very nature of these events you are not wanting a knee jerk reaction, but during the period some people were expressing some views about potential failings which had not been addressed.
“I know NHS Highland have done their very best to address their concerns and will act on any findings of the Sheriff and be keen to take forward any recommendations.
“Telecare plays an increasingly important part in the delivery of support for people to stay at home and it’s vital not just for the Telecare user, but the whole system and whole aspect of community safety.”
The FAI has been adjourned until August 15 for evidence to be heard from remaining witnesses to be heard and for final submissions to be made.
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood will then weigh up the evidence and produce a report detailing his findings.
