A review of the implementation of recommendations made following the death of Savita Halappanavar has found progress is being made by Galway University Hospital (GUH) in carrying out many suggested improvements, but that a more focused approach is needed for others.
The board of the Health Service Executive's Saolta Hospital Group, which is responsible for the management of GUH, was briefed about the progress of reforms this evening.
A total of 33 recommendations were made in three separate reports into the death of Mrs Halappanavar in October 2012.
The 31-year-old died following a miscarriage. Investigations by the HSE, HIQA and the Galway West Coroner identified multiple shortcomings in the care provided to her during her stay in hospital.
All the recommendations arising from the HSE review and the coroner's inquest have either been implemented in full or on an on-going basis.
Saolta has decided that no staff members should be referred to the medical regulatory bodies following a review of the care provided to Mrs Halappanavar.
A review of measures taken to implement recommendations made by HIQA after Mrs Halappanavar's death, confirms that hospital management has decided that none of the nine staff found to have a case to answer warranted referral to the Medical Council or the Nursing and Midwifery Board.
An independent review by Ernst & Young gave a similar report on progress in implementing five of the HIQA recommendations relating to patient care.
However, that review also expresses concerns at the way in which the hospital group's 'Qpulse' IT system is used and the level of training provided to staff.
It says information is being recorded erroneously and this aspect of infrastructure needs to be looked at
It also found that an action plan for maternity services was still being developed and that a clearer timetable was needed.
This review says there are no ''residual actions" to be taken by the Group in relation to the disciplinary process for staff who cared for Mrs Halappanavar.
In his report to the board Group Clinical Director Dr Pat Nash said there was a structure in place to make sure all recommendations were implemented in full.
Dr Nash said improvements will be enhanced and further secured in 2015. He identified audit structures as being of particular importance.
He also told the board that infrastructural deficits in the maternity department would have to be addressed in time. This will require the construction of a new unit.
The board has reiterated the apology it issued to Savita Halappanavar's husband Praveen for the events that led to her death.
The Saolta group is responsible for hospitals in Letterkenny, Sligo, Roscommon, Castlebar, Ballinasloe and Galway.
Group Chief Executive Bill Maher told the board meeting it was vital that risks associated with healthcare provision were managed.
He said this required constant vigilance and review. He said the Group had learned lessons from the tragic death of Mrs Halappanavar and that improvements would continue to be made into the future.
