Disciplinary action taken against a number of staff at University Hospital Galway following the death of Savita Halappanavar  has been described as “a total whitewash”.

The former chair of the West Health Forum, Fine Gael Councillor Padraig Conneely, criticised the actions taken, insisting they were not sufficient.

He added that suspensions and even dismissals should have been enforced by the hospital amongst the most senior staff members whose conduct was found to have merited disciplinary action.

Nine hospital staff involved in the care of Savita were disciplined after a review of her case. However, none were dismissed or suspended and all staff members continue to work at University Hospital Galway (UHG).A further 21 staff members who were involved in caring for the young dentist were found to have "no case to answer". This includes staff in the hospital's ICU who were later praised for their care of Ms Halappanavar.

However, the disciplinary measures have been criticised by Mr Conneely who believes much stricter censure was required.

"It's a cop-out and it's a sham. The hospital had to be seen to do something after three independent reviews gave a damning review of the treatment of this young woman. But this is not sufficient," he insists.