Reilly urged to scrap inquiry

Health Minister James Reilly has been urged to scrap the existing HSE inquiry into Savita Halappanavar’s death by asking the Health Information Quality Authority to take over its control.

In a letter sent to the senior cabinet official by the Irish Patients’ Association, seen by the Irish Examiner, the group has argued that the independent State watchdog must be put in charge if any inquiry compromise can be reached.

The correspondence — which was also received by Gerard O’Donnell, the solicitor for Savita’s husband — said the lack of trust among Savita’s family in the HSE was apparent to everyone involved. As such, IPA chair Stephen McMahon said involving HIQA may be the only option available outside of a lengthy, drawn out tribunal-type investigation.

“We have followed with sadness the experiences of Mr Halappanavar and his tragic loss,” the correspondence read. “Like so many families following catastrophic events they want and need answers and explanations to their questions, and accountability if justified.

“We would suggest Mr Halappanavar to consider requesting HIQA to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the events in Galway. While HIQA business and corporate plans are presented to the Minister, they are accountable to the Oireachtas, the Public Accounts Committee and the Joint Health Committee.

“By copy of this letter to the minister, we request him to ask the HSE to stand down it’s inquiry to allow HIQA to proceed,” the IPA letter added. It is understood one of the possibilities in this approach would be for HIQA to appoint an independent barrister to chair any inquiry.

The HSE did not comment on this issue, but confirmed the three doctors to replace the GUH medics removed from the inquiry panel a day after their appointment. They are Prof James Walker, honorary consultant of obstetrics and gynaecology at St James’s University Hospital, Leeds; Brian Marsh, consultant in intensive care medicine at the Mater; and Prof Mary Horgan, consultant physician at CUH and professor of medicine at UCC.

The inquiry’s previously unrevealed terms of reference have also been announced. The investigation will examine all details related to Savita’s death, force medics to take part if necessary and will make its findings public. If “immediate safety concerns” are found, these will be addressed without delay.

Meanwhile, pro-life Senator Ronan Mullen said the inquiry’s existing chair, Prof Arulkumaran, should step down: “It is remarkable how the HSE could have deemed a person in this position to be an acceptable choice, whatever his professional competence... The proposed chairman’s history must surely injure the inquiry’s credibility to an even greater degree.”

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