ICU NURSE GIVES EVIDENCE OF SAVITA’S LAST MOMENTS

ICU nurse Jacinta Gately was the last to read her deposition in proceedings so far today and detailed her involvement in Savita’s care from 27th October when she took a handover to the 28th when Ms.
Halappanavar died.

She told the inquest that upon taking up the handover she saw the team as they were attempting to insert an arterial line.

She said CPR was commenced later thant night and drugs were given as per guidelines and within minutes of commencing CPR she went to get Praveen and explained it would be a difficult time so he was accompanied by a friend.

She said Ms. Halappanavar was not responding to CPR efforts and confirmed time of death as 1.09 on October 28th.

Prior to this Nurse Aine Nic an Beatha gave evidence of her involvement with care and her queries regarding platelets to be given to Savita.

After a short break in the inquest at midday, UHG theatre nurse Noreen Hannegan gave her statement and explained how she assisted the anaesthetic team on October 24th, held Savita’s hand and explained the procedure of inserting the lines.

She said Savita had felt pressure down below and then learned that the foetus had passed followed by the placenta.

She said after the lines were inserted, Praveen came in and she and her colleagues allowed them time to grieve.

She concluded by saying: ‘I held her hand and wished her well and she thanked me. That was my last contact with Ms. Halappanavar and I wish to extend my condolences’.

After a short break at midday, the Coroner queried the process of giving B positive platelets to a B negative patient and said while he’s sure it’s alright, he wanted to check.

He asked for a consultant haematologist to explain that to the inquest.

So far today the inquest has heard from eight witnesses.