Openness vow at miscarriage tragedy inquest

Savita Halappanavar died in hospital on October 28 last year from suspected septicaemia.

Her widower claims doctors at University Hospital Galway refused their requests to carry out an abortion, 17 weeks into his wife’s pregnancy, because a foetal heartbeat was present. Praveen Halappanavar says they were told Ireland “is a Catholic country”.

As the inquest into Mrs Halappanavar’s death opened yesterday, the Coroner for Galway city, Dr Ciaran MacLoughlin, promised it would be a transparent inquiry.

He offered his condolences to Mr Halappanavar and vowed to conduct the hearing with solemn respect, dignity and courtesy to him and to the memory of his “beloved Savita”.

“It is my duty as coroner to ensure that the inquiry shall be independent, effective and prompt – that the procedures are open, transparent and accountable and are subject to public scrutiny,” Dr MacLoughlin said, adding that her next of kin would be involved to an appropriate extent.

The full hearing will begin on April 8 at Galway courthouse.

The coroner urged all sides involved in the hearing to respect the functions of the court after statements, which revealed that Mrs Halappanavar had requested an abortion while being treated in hospital a week before her death, were leaked on Thursday night.

The family’s legal team said medical notes they had seen did not record the request for a termination, but only noted she had asked for tea and toast.

John O’Donnell, junior counsel for Mr Halappanavar, raised concerns about two more witnesses who have not, and may not, be able to assist the inquest due to personal difficulties.

The pair, who had written in the patient’s hospital records, have been unable to give statements for confidential reasons which were recognised and accepted by the coroner.

Declan Buckley, senior counsel for University Hospital Galway, its staff and the Health Service Executive (HSE), agreed to write to Mr Halappanavar’s legal representatives to outline the issues affecting the staff members on the strict understanding that the information remain confidential.

He said the leaking of confidential information is causing “significant distress” for hospital staff.

The coroner revealed the cost of five specialist independent witnesses – including the former master of the National Maternity Hospital Dr Peter Boylan – would be paid for by the local authority, Galway City Council.

Mr Halappanavar, a 34-year-old engineer at Boston Scientific in Galway, has refused to co-operate with separate investigations by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) and an internal HSE inquiry.

But he insisted he had faith in the coroner’s court and will make a decision on whether to take the Government to the European courts in pursuit of a public inquiry after the hearing.

“We have been confident right from day one (that the truth will come out) and we have faith and trust in the justice system,” he said.

“The coroner has assured us by bringing in an expert panel so I hope that justice is being made and the truth is revealed.”

The 31-year-old described life without his wife as a tough journey. “It’s not easy to sit there in the court to see all the proceedings,” said Mr Halappanavar after her inquest opened. “I believe I’m getting that strength from somewhere to look forward.

“I suppose I believe it is coming from Savita. She was that type of a person. She was always there for me so I’m getting the strength from that.”