'Overawed' Praveen misses Savita inquest as expert identifies shortcomings
The widower of Savita Halappanavar who died after she suffered a miscarriage in University Hospital Galway has been overawed by events at her inquest.
Praveen Halappanavar’s solicitor said his client has been excused from attending today’s hearing because he has found the last few days so stressful.
Mr Halappanavar’s wife, Savita, died in hospital on October 28, a week after she was admitted suffering a miscarriage.
Gerard O’Donnell arrived for day five of the hearing without his client and said he was “overawed”.
“It’s been a stressful week for him and he just asked to be excused, we explained that to the coroner,” he said.
Mr O’Donnell said the inquiry was taking its toll on Mr Halappanavar, particularly the evidence from staff who nursed his wife through her final hours.
“While he is very composed at all times in the court, it’s very stressful for him hearing all these details,” he said.
“He found the episode very stressful, but as he had said his version is and will be borne out and I think you can all see it being borne out.
“He has taken the view that that he is looking at the truth and people and public are coming to realise this is what happened,” Mr O’Donnell said.
A medical expert has identified shortcomings in the care of Savita Halappanavar at Galway University Hospital prior to her death following a miscarriage last October.
Microbiologist Dr Susan Knowles has found the medical team should have been 'actively managing' the 31-year-old as her condition deteriorated due to infection.
