Savita care staff still being investigated three years on

Complaints against staff involved in the care of Savita Halappanavar are still being investigated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) — almost three years after her death at Galway University Hospital.

Ms Halappanavar died of septicaemia following a miscarriage in October 2012, a week after being admitted to hospital at 17 weeks pregnant. Two reports and an inquest found major failings in her care.

Yesterday, the NMBI confirmed that a process is still ongoing in relation to complaints against staff involved in the care of Ms Halappanavar.

It is understood that the statutory body’s Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC) met last month to consider a complaint against a member of staff at Galway University Hospital arising from this case.

The PPC investigates complaints to establish whether further action is warranted. It may refer complaints to the NMBI Fitness-to-Practise Committee (FPC), which may conduct an inquiry and decide whether disciplinary action should be pursued.

A spokesperson for the NMBI confirmed the organisation was still dealing with complaints relating to Ms Halappanavar’s case but refused to provide details.

“The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland can confirm there are complaints relating to the care of the late Ms Savita Halappanavar but due to the requirements of its legislation, it is not in a position at this time to confirm what stage the complaints are at in relation to any nurse or midwife,” she said.

“The NMBI is bound by legislation in this respect and can’t comment on details.”