RVH asked what lessons it learnt

Janine Murtagh died after a routine operation

The health minister has asked the Royal Victoria Hospital for a report into the lessons it has learnt from the death of a Belfast woman.

Janine Murtagh died six weeks after routine surgery.

It is understood Angela Smith wants the hospital to set out the action it has taken to implement any changes needed to prevent a similar tragedy.

The minister has set up a review group which will investigate the Royal Hospital's report into the incident.

An inquest into the death of the nurse following a delay in an operation found shortcomings in standards of care expected in the major teaching hospital.

Mrs Murtagh, 31, from Crumlin, County Antrim, waited six hours for surgery on a perforated bowel because an operating theatre was in use.

The Coroner for Belfast, John Leckey, said the delay in surgery was "significant" in causing death.

At the time, the hospital said it was committed to modifying policies and procedures to prevent a repeat incident.

During the six-week inquest, the coroner was told that Mrs Murtagh was admitted to the Royal in October 2002 for a routine operation to cure abdominal pain and in an attempt to establish the cause of fertility problems.

During the operation, her small bowel was ruptured and the damage was not noticed.

Doctors decided to operate the day after the initial procedure to find why her condition was deteriorating.

There were delays in finding an intensive care bed, in getting an emergency theatre opened, and transferring Mrs Murtagh to another part of the hospital.

The inquest heard Mrs Murtagh died in intensive care of breathing difficulties.