Ireland has become the first country in the world to introduce an early warning system across the entire hospital system to help medics recognise and respond to patients whose condition is worsening.

The system will apply in every hospital in the country, and will see patients monitored on a continuous basis, with clear guidelines on the actions to be taken if their condition deteriorates.

System not in place for maternity division

It has emerged that the new early warning system was in place in University Hospital Galway when Savita Halappanavar was admitted.

However the guidelines which are designed to help doctors to recognised conditions such as sepsis or blood poisoning were not in place in the maternity division of the hospital.

Hospital managers will be required to submit an annual statement to the Health Minister to update him on the progress being made in implementing the new system.

Minister James Reilly says the guidelines are a recognised method of improving health care.