The untimely death of Savita Halappanavar last year was 'a shocking wake up call for the health system', according to Health Minister James Reilly.

Responding to the publication of the HIQA Report on the Savita case, he said he was determined that 'out of the sad loss of this young woman our whole health system will learn lessons that will ensure that it provides safe, patient-centred care.'

"I will ensure that this comprehensive report will be given careful consideration and reflection to ensure all of its findings and recommendations are responded to and that any actions required will be implemented across our health services," Dr Reilly said.

The Minister has promised five initial priority actions in response to the report:

* Achieving a patient safety culture. The Minister said he will not accept insufficient allocation of funding for measures supporting safe patient care, despite hugely competing demands on the health budget.

* Code of conduct for employers. Hospital CEOs must be held accountable for the safety and quality of their services.

3. Monitoring progress on implementation. The Minister said he was determined that the recommendations of this Report will be implemented. He said he would direct HIQA to ensure that patient safety priorities are reflected in their monitoring programme against the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare.

4. Development of maternity services. The Department of Health is to lead the development of a Strategic Plan for Maternity Services in collaboration with the HSE 'which will provide the blueprint for the safe, effective delivery of maternity services nationally.'

5. Mandating clinical guidelines. The Minister said he had already mandated the National Early Warning Score for maternity care. Minister Reilly said he was now ordering the development of similar guidelines for sepsis management and clinical handover.

The West/Northwest Hospitals Group, which runs UHG, where Savita Halappanavar was treated, has said considerable progress had already been made in implementing HIQA's recommendations, including an early warning system and training on sepsis treatment.

Meanwhile, the head of quality and patient safety with the HSE , Dr Philip Crowley, told RTE's Morning Ireland the health executive would be seeking extra maternity staff, as current levels cannot cope with demands on the system.

Praveen Halappanavar's solicotor, Gerard O'Donnell, said the HIQA recommendations must be implemented to ensure the circumstances in which Savita died did not happen again.

UHG and national maternity care slammed

Maternity care not as safe as it should be