The head of the Health Service Executive (HSE) has promised that the failings that led to the death of Savita Halappanavar will be addressed. Tony O'Brien says a review group has been set up to implement the recommendations of the three different reports into her death.

He said the HSE wanted to offer an "unreserved" apology to Savita's family over her death.

He said the group being set up to address the failings would ensure no such tragedy ever happened again.

A number of new guidelines on sepsis and handovers between medical staff are being implemented at hospitals following her death. Mrs. Halappanavar, who was 17 weeks pregnant, died at University College Hospital Galway of sepsis last October following a miscarriage.

A HIQA report found her death could have been prevented on 13 separate occasions.

It made 34 recommendations - among them was the implementation of a Sepsis Management guideline and a Clinical Handover guideline.

Professor Hillary Humphries is the Chair of the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee and responsible for overseeing the implementation of the guidelines.