Irish medical staff were more focused on the welfare of a foetus than the risk to the life of a dentist who died after being refused an abortion, a draft report into the tragedy has found.

Savita Halappanavar died in October while miscarrying at the University Hospital Galway. Her death provoked international protests against Ireland's ban on abortion.

Her husband, Praveen Halappanavar, claimed his wife was denied a termination after being told by medical staff that "this is a Catholic country". The 31-year-old was 17 weeks pregnant, although her foetus was found to be unviable.

The family's solicitor, Gerard O'Donnell, said the draft report, commissioned by the Health Service Executive, found not enough emphasis had been put on Halappanavar's health.

The report was delivered to Praveen Halappanavar and his lawyer at the weekend.

Next week, the inquest into his wife's death will resume in Galway after briefly opening earlier this year. It will be the first time that medical staff who looked after her will give evidence under oath and in a public forum.

While the inquest will determine the cause of death, which is already known, it will not be able to apportion blame.