Savita Halappanavar's death was caused by a failure to provide the basic elements of care

It was found that the death of Savita Halappanavar was caused by the hospital's failure to provide the basic elements of care.

 

Mrs. Halappanavar died last October after she was admitted to hospital suffering a miscarriage.

 

A report conducted by HIQA investigated the safety and quality provided by University Hospital Galway and found that there was a failure to recognise the woman’s deteriorating condition and to treat her developing infection.

 

It has been revealed that the delivery of maternity services was not consistent with best practices. Dr Lucas, a consultant who was part of the investigation team, said that if signs of her sepsis had been identified there may have been a different outcome.

 

Following the report, HIQA have made 34 recommendations on how hospitals can improve the care of deteriorating pregnant women.