THE MINISTER FOR Health has described the HSE’s clinical review report into the death of Savita Halappanavar as hard-hitting and straight, adding that it “doesn’t pull any punches”.
Speaking ahead of the publication, James Reilly said he could not be certain that proposed abortion laws would have saved the life of the 31-year-old Galway woman.
“But it would have brought much greater clarity for everyone concerned,” he said.
The report outlines a number of significant shortcomings in the treatment of Savita after she was admitted to Galway University Hospital in October last year.
According to RTÉ, the investigation team found a key factor was “inadequate assessment and monitoring”.
Praveen Halappanavar has not yet seen the report as he is out of the country. His solicitor Gerard O’Donnell said he didn’t disturb him as he is “away for a few days”.
The legal spokesperson told Morning Ireland that he was surprised at the timing of the publication. He received a copy of the 108-page document, which does not identify any staff members, late last night.
Expressing his disappointment at the move, the lawyer said that his client’s wishes have “fallen on deaf ears”, claiming it was disrespectful and unfortunate that Praveen was not given a final draft ahead of this afternoon’s publication.
“Sadly, I would have liked an opportunity to talk to him and be able to alert him to the fact it would be published so he in turn could speak to his own family and Savita’s family so they would be prepared for this publication.”
O’Donnell said the report “bears out what [Praveen] has always said” about his wife’s treatment as she was miscarrying in the Galway hospital.
“It makes a number of recommendations, which if implemented, will go for a long way to ensure this never happens again. I’ve no doubt that he will welcome the publication. He’s always wanted to get to the truth, demonstrate to the public what happened to his wife and ensure that it doesn’t happen again. It certainly goes a long way to vindicating what he said all the time.”
Minister Reilly extended his sympathies to the Halappanavar family and has offered to meet with Praveen at any time to discuss the various investigations into his wife’s death.
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