Jacintha Saldanha was found dead at an address near the King Edward VII Hospital in London yesterday morning.
She had been the victim of two Australian radio DJs who impersonated the Queen and the Prince of Wales to obtain a condition update on Kate, who was suffering severe morning sickness at the private hospital. In a statement, Ms Saldanha's family said: "We as a family are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jacintha. We would ask that the media respect our privacy at this difficult time."
In a statement, St James's Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha. Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII's Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time."
The hospital said in a statement: "We can confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha. Jacintha has worked at the King Edward VII's Hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse and a well-respected and popular member of staff with all her colleagues.
"We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital has been supporting her at this difficult time."
Hospital chief executive, John Lofthouse, said: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies at this time are with her family and friends. Everyone is shocked by the loss of a much-loved and valued colleague."
Lord Glenarthur, the hospital's chairman, said: "Jacintha was a first-class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. She will be greatly missed."
Scotland Yard said the death was not being treated as suspicious. In a statement, it said officers were called at around 9.35am to a report of a woman found unconscious at an address in Weymouth Street.
It said: "London Ambulance Service attended and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident."
The two presenters, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, from 2Day FM, remarked during their show how their efforts were the "easiest prank call ever made" as they put on mock British accents they later described as "terrible".
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Lofthouse condemned the hoax call and said the hospital was considering legal action.
The presenters later apologised for their actions, as did their radio station. The station was expected to issue a statement about Ms Saldanha's death.
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: "This is tragic news, and the thoughts of all at the Royal College of Nursing go to the family of Jacintha Saldanha. It is deeply saddening that a simple human error due to a cruel hoax could lead to the death of a dedicated and caring member of the nursing profession."
A neighbour of Jacintha yesterday described her as "a lovely woman".
Marianne Homes, 49, said: "I've always known her as the doctor. She was always very smartly dressed. She was a lovely woman. Every time I saw her she would talk to me. It's so sad to know this has happened."
Another former neighbour described her as a "nice, lovely lady". She lived next door to Jacintha, her two children and partner Benedict Barboza – know as Ben – at an address in Bristol several years ago. Fighting back tears, she said: "What a terrible tragedy – just before Christmas as well. Her and Ben were a lovely couple. They were such nice neighbours. It's so sad, so tragic."
The DJs made their call at around 5.30am on Tuesday and are thought to have been put through by Ms Saldanha, 46. Another nurse then told them: "She's sleeping at the moment and she has had an uneventful night and sleep is good for her. She's been given some fluids to rehydrate her because she was quite dehydrated when she came in, but she's stable at the moment."
The nurse added: "She hasn't had any retching with me since I've been on duty and she has been sleeping on and off. I think it's difficult sleeping in a strange bed as well."
The call was deeply embarrassing for the hospital, which is the medical institution of choice for the Royal Family.
It was pre-recorded and vetted by lawyers before being broadcast in Sydney.
In their initial apology, the presenters said: "We were surprised our call was put through."
cannon creek airpark compare house prices average price for college
No comments:
Post a Comment