Nine staff disciplined over role in Savita Halappanavar death

Almost a third of the staff involved in the treatment of Savita Halappanavar, whose death in October 2012 has sparked major abortion law reforms, have been disciplined over their role in the tragedy.

However, none will lose their jobs or be suspended due over their actions.

The HSE has confirmed that nine of the 30 medics involved in the 31-year-old dentist’s care at University Hospital Galway almost two years ago have been subjected to mild forms of disciplinary action.

While none of the individuals have been named for confidentiality reasons, a spokesperson said all of these cases have concluded, with the majority of those involved receiving written warnings about their failure to provide adequate treatment for her.

Under the HSE’s rules, the written warning black mark is removed after nine months if no further concerns arise. A small number of other medics at UHG have also received additional training and “informal counselling” on how to improve standards and to act on crises, due to how they treated Ms Halappanavar.

However, despite nine individuals being reprimanded, 21 other medics also involved in her care were found to have “no case to answer” and informed of this decision a number of months ago.

Mrs Halappanavar was 17 weeks pregnant and miscarrying when she attended UHG on October 21, 2012. She ultimately died a week later from a serious infection after being told doctors could not help to induce the miscarriage due to existing Irish legislation on abortion — despite the fact that Ms Halappanavar’s life was at risk.

The incident sparked outrage in Ireland and abroad, has led to a number of State inquiries and legal cases, and resulted in alterations to the legality of abortion in this country.

Ms Halappanavar’s widower, Praveen, is currently taking legal action against the HSE over the treatment of his wife at the facility.