Praveen Halappanavar has initiated legal action against the HSE over the death of his wife Savita while in the care of University Hospital Galway last October.

RTE News has reported that that solicitors for Mr Halappanavar have filed legal papers against the HSE West and Dr Katherine Astbury, who was Savita's obstetrician. 

Mr Halappanavar's solicitor, Gerard O'Donnell told RTE that he had served a personal injury summons against both defendants alleging negligence in the death of Mrs Halanappavar.

Mrs Halappanavar died from septicaemia when 17 weeeks pregnant last October after she was admitted to University Hospital Galway with pregnancy complications.

In April, an inquest into the her death returned a verdict of medical misadventure.

A HSE inquiry report into Ms Halappanavar's death published in June pointed to deficiencies in her care.

A separate inquiry in the Halappanavar case, by the health safety body HIQA, is expected to be published shortly.

Savita - saying sorry isn't enough