Report finds hospital staff ‘missed 13 separate chances to save Savita’s life’

Hospital staff missed 13 separate chances to save Savita Halappanavar’s life — including six in a single four-hour period.

The finding is made in an extensive investigation into the incident by independent watchdog the Health Information Quality Authority (Hiqa), which has suggested those involved may face fitness to practise hearings.

According to the document, the initial missed opportunity occurred when Ms Halappanavar, 31, was admitted on Sunday, Oct 21. Between 3.30pm and 8pm, the report said, Ms Halappanavar was misdiagnosed with lower back pain when her blood tests were not checked, meaning her septicaemia went unnoticed.