Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2012
36. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will reconsider his rejection of the call by a person (details supplied) for a full public inquiry into the tragic death of their spouse at Galway Regional Hospital on 28 October 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57025/12]
View answerI am most anxious that all the facts are established in this sad case. The crucial thing now is that we must, in the interests of all the women of Ireland, uncover the facts of what happened as quickly as possible and take all necessary action.
At a Press Conference on 19th November the Health Service Executive (HSE) gave details of the Investigation Team which is being chaired by an international expert in obstetrics and gynaecology, Professor Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran. The Investigation will be completed within an expeditious timeframe.
On 23rd November the Board of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), following a request from the HSE and in accordance with Section 9(1) of the Health Act 2007, announced that it will investigate the safety, quality and standards of services provided by the HSE at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) to critically ill patients, including critically ill pregnant women as reflected in the care and treatment provided to Savita Halappanavar. The Authority will prepare a report of the findings of the investigation which will then be submitted to the Board of the Authority for approval before publishing it at a time the Authority deems appropriate.
In conducting investigations such as these, it is preferable to have the input of the next of kin. Both Investigation Teams would welcome the input of Mr. Halappanavar to their inquiries and they remain open to meeting with him without prejudice. A Coroner's inquest will also be carried out as is standard practice in such cases.
In addition, in the case of a maternal death, a number of standard procedures are followed including a risk review of the case and the completion of a maternal death notification form, through Maternal Death Enquiry Ireland. The outcome of the investigations must be awaited before commenting further on this sad case.
