HIQA announces terms of reference for Savita inquiry
The Health Information and Quality Authority has published the terms of reference for its investigation into the care and treatment given to Savita Halapanavar.
The 31-year-old died last month at Galway University Hospital, after contracting septicaemia.
Savita had also suffered a miscarriage.
HIQA said its investigation will examine the care given to patients, including pregnant women, at risk of clinical deterioration as reflected in the care and treatment given to Savita at University Hospital Galway.
This includes the diagnosis and management of patients with septicaemia.
It will also investigate the care in place to ensure those at risk of septicaemia, including pregnant women, receive care compliant with national standards and best practise both at home and internationally.
If it finds there are reasonable grounds to believe there are other serious risks to the health or welfare of anybody receiving similar services, HIQA said it may recommend that its terms be extended or a new investigation undertaken.
Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has said the debate on abortion cannot be rushed.
Archbishop Martin said he has not yet read the report of the expert group, but it will be discussed shortly by the Bishops conference.
The Archbishop said he also believes there has been "exaggeration" internationally and here at home on the issue.
But Dr Martin said he also believes that if the current guidance given to the medical profession is insufficient then it should be reviewed.
