Savita death report due next month

Husband to receive review before publication

Savita Halappanavar 's husband Praveen will be given a copy of the HSE report into his wife's death before it is completed, it was confirmed today.

Mr Halappanavar will be given time to consider the report and any input he makes will be provided to staff at Galway University Hospital for their response, according to HSE sources.

The final report is not expected to be published until next month. Lawyers for the HSE are currently undertaking due diligence on a draft version of the clinical review of Ms Halappanavar’s death, the HSE said.

Ms Halappanavar (31) was 17 weeks pregnant when she presented at the hospital on October 21st last year with back pain. She died at the hospital a week later of suspected septicaemia after a miscarriage. Her husband said she had repeatedly requested a termination.

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Another factor which is likely to delay publication is the fact that Ms Halappanavar’s baby girl would have been due at the end of this month. Officials are understood to be reluctant to release the report, assuming it is ready, at this sensitive moment.

Minister for Health James Reilly said today he would have expected the report to be ready by now.

Mr Reilly said there were issues arising with the draft report and various parties had a right to respond and comment. The report when ready would be given to her husband first, he confirmed.

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen is Health Editor of The Irish Times