HSE implements ‘Savita’ changes following three separate reports

An overhaul of practices at University Hospital Galway, in the wake of the high profile death of Savita Halappanavar four years ago, has taken place.

The HSE West has confirmed it has now implemented all recommendations contained in three separate reports into the death of the 31-year-old dentist at the maternity unit in October 2012.

Ann Cosgrove, Chief Operating Officer at Saolta University Health Care Group, confirmed to city councillor Pádraig Conneely, that all recommendations made following the Coroner’s inquest, a HSE patient review, and a HIQA review into the death, have now been implemented.

Ms Cosgrove confirmed 34 recommendations contained in the safety review carried out by Professor Arulkumaran have been actioned.

In December of 2015, Dr Pat Nash, Group Clinical Director of Saolta, had given an update to the board on the progress of the implementation of Professor Arulkumaran’s patient safety review.

At that time, he advised at the meeting that one particular recommendation hadn’t been implemented. This was regarding national standards for safer better healthcare, and Dr Nash committed that “in 2016, particular focus will be placed on implementing these recommendations”.

Ms Cosgrove confirmed the recommendations had been implemented when questioned at the lastest HSE West Regional Health Forum meeting.

She was responding to Cllr Conneely, who referred to the “three damning reports” following investigations into Ms Halappanavar’s death due to complications of a septic miscarriage in October 2012.

Cllr Conneely noted several “junior staff” had been disciplined, but he wondered whether any action was taken against senior management.

He also demanded to know what level of compensation was paid to the family, and what were the legal costs incurred by the hospital.

Ms Cosgrove refused, adding: “We cannot comment on ongoing legal matters and confidential settlement agreements as it would be entirely inappropriate to do so”.