Nurse pranked by Aussie radio hosts, reportedly commits suicide

[wartoc]

THREE days after being duped by Australian radio presenters during a royal phone prank, a London nurse has been found dead after an apparent suicide. .

Jacintha Saldanha, 46, a mother of two, was unable to be revived after being found unconscious at a nurses' accommodation block near London's exclusive King Edward VII Hospital at 9.35am (local time) on Friday.

Police said the death was "unexplained" and have launched an investigation, but "the death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage".

Her husband and two children have been informed of the death.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said in a statement they were "deeply saddened" by the news, adding: "Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time."

 

Many Britons have responded to the news with anger, a Facebook tribute site set up almost immediately after the news broke showing posts calling for the sackings and prosecutions of the DJs.

 

Hospital chief executive John Lofthouse, who earlier in the week described the hoax call by 2Day FM jocks Mel Greig and Michael Christian as "foolish", confirmed Ms Saldanha's death.

"It is with deep sadness that I can confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha," Mr Lofthouse told reporters.

"Jacintha has worked at the King Edward VII Hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse and well respected and popular with all of her colleagues.

"We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had been supporting her throughout this very difficult time."

Mrs Saldanha was staffing the hospital switchboard when she took a phone call from 2Day FM DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian.

 

The BBC reported that Mrs Saldanha answered the phone because it was 5.30am and there was no receptionist on duty.

The radio presenters pretended to be the Queen and Prince Charles, and asked to be put through to Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, who was in the hospital with a pregnancy-related illness.

Greig said "Oh hello there. Could I please speak to Kate please, my granddaughter."

Mrs Saldanha replied "Oh yes, just hold on ma'am" and put the presenters through to another duty nurse who was caring for the Duchess.

The duty nurse, who believed she was speaking to the Queen, then gave private information about the Duchess' medical condition.

 

The "joke" made global headlines as the actions of the 2Day FM duo were widely criticised.

A royal aide confirmed to Sky News that no complaint was lodged with the hospital following the prank.

The incident prompted the hospital to review its telephone protocol, while it considered legal action against the radio network. Ms Saldanha was not disciplined over the incident.

Greig and Christian have since apologised for the "lighthearted" prank, but have been bombarded with online abuse for their stunt.

Lord Glenarthur, chairman of the hospital, said: "This is tragic event. Jacintha was a first class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. She will be greatly missed."

 

The hospital said previously it "take(s) patient confidentiality extremely seriously" and launched a "review of telephone protocols" after the stunt. Mrs Saldanha had not been suspended or disciplined by the hospital, the BBC reported.

Both DJs have deleted their Twitter accounts, after a flood of messages criticising them when the news of the nurse's death became public.

Some messages called for the DJs to lose their jobs, others accused them of having "blood on your hands".

- If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide contact Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 22 46 36, or Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22.

http://www.heraldsun...w-1226532600709

Edited December 7, 2012 by wartoc1

[thenewguy1]

SMH I don't understand why someone would commit suicide over this. You got fooled so what, if you get in trouble for giving out personal info tell them she fell for the hoax and she should be good. No need to commit suicide.

[O hai im KAMIL]

Another unnecessary death. There was nothing wrong with the joke, and definitely not worth killing yourself over.

[Aabid]

Thats like me getting someone to tell me where they put their cookie jar.

Then they die.

[Bwauder]

Unnecessary & unfortunate she reacted this way, but typical for the track record of this station ( also the home of Kyle Sandilands & Jackie O) .

They've been responsible for among other things ambushing & abusing a 12 year old rape victim on live broadcast & blaming her for what happened - then blaming the DJ's for the content & claiming the broadcaster was unaware of intentions & potential impact.

 

I wouldn't miss the various stations in the Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) stable if the family/hospital/royals sued them back into the stone age.

[Guitarguy]

Neither parties are in the right. That was a stupid prank on part of the radio hosts, and extreme on part of the nurse (although I'm sure this couldn't have been the only contribution to her suicide).

Even the article is in the wrong. Who revises this terribly-written balderdash?

[Phoenix Rider]

I read about it early this morning. It's really depressing and I pray for the comfort of the family.

 

Whilst I think the DJs were out of line for making the call, no one would have expected the nurse to have that reaction and the angry backlash is too much. I'm sure they're already feeling terrible enough as it is without all the hate mails. They should just release a personal apology to close the issue.

[O hai im KAMIL]

I honestly don't see anything wrong with the prank, and you've got people here angrily attacking the radio hoster's about this. This is absolutely absurd. The woman who committed suicide, rather than simply accepting her mistake (where the prank wouldn't be announced worldwide and would be forgotten in a day) she decides to take her own life which not only punishes her family but also the radio host's and could potentially put them out of their jobs for a harmless prank. She was an absolute idiot.

[Jethraw]

rather than simply accepting her mistake (where the prank wouldn't be announced worldwide and would be forgotten in a day) she decides to take her own life which not only punishes her family but also the radio host's and could potentially put them out of their jobs for a harmless prank. She was an absolute idiot.

I'm not sure you have a clue what you're talking about. The prank was headlining across the world long before the woman committed suicide. I don't believe for a second that the prank was the only reason the woman committed suicide and my thoughts are with her family at what is going to be the hardest time of their lives.

 

Whilst I don't think suicide was the answer, (it never is), the woman has my deepest sympathies and I feel the radio station were completely in the wrong for even attempting the invasion of privacy. As a standalone event, the DJs in question should have been reprimanded and it should have been left alone. However, it's escalated at this point, whether right or wrong, and as a result I believe both DJs should lose their job. Unnecessary consequences have to be faced, same as inevitable ones.

[imronburgundy]

I honestly don't see anything wrong with the prank, and you've got people here angrily attacking the radio hoster's about this. This is absolutely absurd. The woman who committed suicide, rather than simply accepting her mistake (where the prank wouldn't be announced worldwide and would be forgotten in a day) she decides to take her own life which not only punishes her family but also the radio host's and could potentially put them out of their jobs for a harmless prank. She was an absolute idiot.

 

Impersonating the queen (or anyone for that matter) in order to get personal information about patients from a hospital is illegal (or at least a dark shade of grey). They claimed that the station's lawyers were okay with the prank prior to DJs doing it; I highly doubt this. Although with the radio station's track record, content like this is to be expected.

 

In 2009 2Day FM were ordered to provide increased protection for children after a 14-year-old child was attached to a lie detector and pressured into discussing her sex life live on air. The radio show host encouraged both the girl and her mother to discuss whether she was sexually active, to which the girl responded: "I've already told you the story of this and don't look at me and smile because it's not funny. Oh, okay. I got raped when I was 12 years old." To which the host replied: "Right. And is that, is that the only experience you've had?"

 

On 29 July 2009, Sandilands and co-host, Henderson, were leading a segment on their regular 2Day FM morning show in which a 14 year old girl was strapped to a lie detector while the child's mother, Sandilands and Henderson questioned her, including questions about her prior experience with sex and drugs. Sandilands was participating in the radio show from New Zealand via hookup.^[31] Before questioning started Jackie Henderson had propositioned to the mother "What’s your worst fear? Is it the sex?".^[32]

The girl started by saying, "I'm scared. It's not fair". Sandilands said, "She is scared everyone. Yeah."^[26] The segment went astray when the girl revealed she had been raped at the age of 12. The girl had been asked by her mother if she had any sexual experience. After a long pause, Sandilands then clarified "Right ... is that the only experience you've had?"^[33][34]

The segment was widely criticised by health professionals, media commentators, the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and the public.^[35] The controversy was reported internationally.^[36][34] A group of 15 high-profile psychologists, academics and child advocates wrote to The Age calling for the show to be cancelled. They suggested the show had been the venue for child abuse and a gross violation of human rights.^[35][37] The Kyle and Jackie O Show continued broadcasting on the Thursday and Friday mornings after the offending segment had been broadcast.

Edited December 9, 2012 by Vlad

[Fake]

People get pranked all the time but as Vlad said I'm pretty sure that trying to get personal information might be illegal. Very sad that the nurse committed suicide over the matter, I doubt the Duchess was even that upset.

[O hai im KAMIL]

rather than simply accepting her mistake (where the prank wouldn't be announced worldwide and would be forgotten in a day) she decides to take her own life which not only punishes her family but also the radio host's and could potentially put them out of their jobs for a harmless prank. She was an absolute idiot.

I'm not sure you have a clue what you're talking about. The prank was headlining across the world long before the woman committed suicide. I don't believe for a second that the prank was the only reason the woman committed suicide and my thoughts are with her family at what is going to be the hardest time of their lives.

 

Whilst I don't think suicide was the answer, (it never is), the woman has my deepest sympathies and I feel the radio station were completely in the wrong for even attempting the invasion of privacy. As a standalone event, the DJs in question should have been reprimanded and it should have been left alone. However, it's escalated at this point, whether right or wrong, and as a result I believe both DJs should lose their job. Unnecessary consequences have to be faced, same as inevitable ones.

 

They shouldn't lose their jobs because some woman couldn't handle a bit of shame. The DJs aren't responsible in any way. It's freaking nuts. It's stupid.

 

This world is too soft.

[Jethraw]

They shouldn't lose their jobs because some woman couldn't handle a bit of shame. The DJs aren't responsible in any way. It's freaking nuts. It's stupid.

 

This world is too soft.

A woman committed suicide as a direct result of their actions. Whether you agree with her decision or not, you can't escape that fact. Now they're going to have to take responsibility for their actions (for which they are entirely responsible.) To suggest otherwise is absolute nonsense.

 

And as both myself and someone else has already said, there's no way her decision was solely from this one incident. I highly doubt it was an outright inabiliy to "handle a bit of shame".

Edited December 10, 2012 by Jethraw

[Sobend]

I believe that the prank was going over the line. The radio DJs made the woman feel like she upset the royal family, which probably made her feel like she was only causing bad things in the world, and then very indirectly committing suicide. I would definitely would have fired the DJs over this.

 

A woman committed suicide as a direct result of their actions. Whether you agree with her decision or not, you can't escape that fact. Now they're going to have to take responsibility for their actions (for which they are entirely responsible.) To suggest otherwise is absolute nonsense.

I agree with you here but it really depends on the situation. If you fire somebody and that person commits suicide over it, you are not responsible for the death of the person in any way.

Edited December 10, 2012 by Sobend

[NeckChamp]

SMH I don't understand why someone would commit suicide over this. You got fooled so what, if you get in trouble for giving out personal info tell them she fell for the hoax and she should be good. No need to commit suicide.

 

That's a tough statement though.

 

For one, we don't know her emotional state.

For two, we don't know her mental state.

Yes, she was a nurse, and no, I'm not calling her crazy, I'm just saying people tend to be very harsh on themselves, for no reason, and sometimes it's unexplainable.

 

Prayers and thoughts go out to the family.

-Moos

[Jethraw]

I agree with you here but it really depends on the situation. If you fire somebody and that person commits suicide over it, you are not responsible for the death of the person in any way.

No you're right, my statement was a bit sweeping. But in this instance I firmly believe the DJs are totally in the wrong and are to be held accountable.

[Bwauder]

Prank or not theres a few key things that apply:

- False & misleading information (the pretending to be royals) to the nurse/s who would obviously be somewhat flustered & not necessarily follow correct identification procedure. At this point it remains a prank BUT possible telecommunications fraud & invasion of privacy (re personal medical records).

- Clearing to broadcast with station management but failing to notify or receive permission from the victim/s except as part of the global release & sudden humiliation involved with that.

Still a borderline prank BUT a clear breach of broadcasting regulations @ least within Australia.

- Post suicide the usual cover up & bunkering down the station & management are surely used to by now, DJ's silenced + a bland statement of general regret but denying responsibility or legal breaches.

Hoping that a bald faced media front will absolve them of any responsibility & keep their advertising budget & listeners active , this to my satisfaction has been a total failure.

 

I am in favour of charges for all of the above + negligent homicide on the DJ's, the program manager & @ the board who approved the broadcast, + prohibitive fines for SCA , unfortunately little if any of this will probably happen.

Look for another similar incident in 6 months or so if the world doesnt end 21/12.

[wartoc]

- Clearing to broadcast with station management but failing to notify or receive permission from the victim/s except as part of the global release & sudden humiliation involved with that.

 

Plus the fact that it was on 'live' radio. Which opens a whole new kettle of fish.

Edited December 10, 2012 by wartoc1

[Fake]

I am in favour of charges for all of the above + negligent homicide on the DJ's, the program manager & @ the board who approved the broadcast

 

While it is upsetting what happened people get pranked all the time. I'm not trying to justify what the two DJ's did but it is definitely not negligent homicide.

[O hai im KAMIL]

They shouldn't lose their jobs because some woman couldn't handle a bit of shame. The DJs aren't responsible in any way. It's freaking nuts. It's stupid.

 

This world is too soft.

A woman committed suicide as a direct result of their actions. Whether you agree with her decision or not, you can't escape that fact. Now they're going to have to take responsibility for their actions (for which they are entirely responsible.) To suggest otherwise is absolute nonsense.

 

And as both myself and someone else has already said, there's no way her decision was solely from this one incident. I highly doubt it was an outright inabiliy to "handle a bit of shame".

 

A woman committed suicide as a direct result of her emotional instability. The DJ's didn't do anything to physically or mentally hurt the woman, and so charging them is illogical. Only she was responsible for her death.

[Arianna]

+ negligent homicide on the DJ's, the program manager & @ the board who approved the broadcast

Wait what

 

If I cut someone off in traffic and the guy then kills himself, me, my car dealer and Seat Automobile Espana are culpable?

[Micael Fatia]

+ negligent homicide on the DJ's, the program manager & @ the board who approved the broadcast

Wait what

 

If I cut someone off in traffic and the guy then kills himself, me, my car dealer and Seat Automobile Espana are culpable?

Idk about you and your car dealer, but Seat Automobile Espana is definitely. -.-

The guy probably killed himself after seeing your car.

 

 

Anyway I feel bad for coming here just to make a joke about Dani's car, so I'm going to post what my opinion on this whole thing is.

Basically I think it's clear the woman had to have some other problems, and this prank was just the last drop of water in the bucket. I watched an interview with the radio hosts earlier this morning and you could see they were feeling terrible, and I think that's enough punishment for them. I suppose they should also lose their job yeah, I really don't think they thought their prank would cause something like this, but it happened and it's partially their fault. (at least imo)

But negligent homicide is just going to far really.

[William Howard Taft]

I'd say you're still responsible, just not morally culpable.

This is what I've thought.

[Mano]

A woman committed suicide as a direct result of their actions. Whether you agree with her decision or not, you can't escape that fact. Now they're going to have to take responsibility for their actions (for which they are entirely responsible.) To suggest otherwise is absolute nonsense..

 

If I said I didn't like chocolate, and a woman who did like chocolate killed herself directly because of this, what would you have done to me?

 

The point of this hyperbole is that just because something happened due to my actions, it does not make it my fault. It has to be reasonable for me to believe that this result would occur as a result of my actions. In my opinion, it is not reasonable to believe that saying to someone 'Hi, I'm the Queen, can I speak to my granddaughter' - basically all that was said to this woman - would cause them to kill themselves, and as such responsibility would not lie with the person saying that. (Nor, indeed, the person who did not like chocolate above)

 

 

Edit: Wow, seems my browser gave me some cached version of the topic. Seems you've been picked up on that statement already ;d.

Edited December 10, 2012 by Mano

[Bwauder]

A woman committed suicide as a direct result of their actions. Whether you agree with her decision or not, you can't escape that fact. Now they're going to have to take responsibility for their actions (for which they are entirely responsible.) To suggest otherwise is absolute nonsense..

 

If I said I didn't like chocolate, and a woman who did like chocolate killed herself directly because of this, what would you have done to me?

 

The point of this hyperbole is that just because something happened due to my actions, it does not make it my fault. It has to be reasonable for me to believe that this result would occur as a result of my actions. In my opinion, it is not reasonable to believe that saying to someone 'Hi, I'm the Queen, can I speak to my granddaughter' - basically all that was said to this woman - would cause them to kill themselves, and as such responsibility would not lie with the person saying that. (Nor, indeed, the person who did not like chocolate above)

 

 

Edit: Wow, seems my browser gave me some cached version of the topic. Seems you've been picked up on that statement already ;d.

 

The problem alot seem to miss is that the nurse has a legal & professional responsibility to protect the privacy of any patient, & the noteworthyness of the Princess & the sceurity that would relate to her make it even more delicate.

Also re the above - to tell someone they shouldn't like chocolate & walk off, you would bear no responsibility if they over reacted, to publicise (without any due permissions or notification or finding if they had reasons) worldwide & humiliate them with it, including the risk of ruining their career & public reputation is a completely different situation.

Edited December 10, 2012 by Bwauder