The nurse found dead following a hoax call to the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge criticised senior colleagues over her treatment in one of three suicide notes, it has emerged. An inquest heard that Jacintha Saldanha, 46, left three emotional suicide notes following the prank call by Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian. But [...]

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Hoax call nurse ‘left suicide note criticising senior hospital staff’

By Keith Gladdis, Emily Andrews and Anthony Bond
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The nurse found dead following a hoax call to the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge criticised senior colleagues over her treatment in one of three suicide notes, it has emerged. An inquest heard that Jacintha Saldanha, 46, left three emotional suicide notes following the prank call by Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian.

Answers: Student nurses, in Bangalore, India, at a march called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Mrs Saldanha's death

But it has emerged that in one of the notes she has criticised colleagues at the King Edward VII hospital over her treatment following the controversial call. It is believed the nurse’s suicide note has left her grieving family furious, with husband Ben Barboza understood to want an inquiry into the hospital.

He is also believed to want an independent investigation into what happened in the days leading up to the death of his wife, for whom student nurses in Bangalore, India, held a candlelit vigil overnight.
Nurses were seen walking the streets holding candles and reciting prayers in tribute to the mother of two.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror about Mrs Saldanha’s suicide notes, a source close to the family said: ‘One of the letters, which is the longest, deals with the hospital and is critical in its tone.

‘Needless to say, Ben wants a full inquiry into what happened and he wants to make sure the truth comes out.  ’Within the letter, Jacintha calls into question some of the treatment she received at the hospital.’

In another note, the mother-of two describes how she struggled to come to terms with the prank call by the two Australian DJs. The third and final letter is practical and deals with her funeral plans.
The body of the mother-of-two was discovered in her room in staff quarters last Friday. Two of the notes were found nearby and a third was among her possessions.

She had also sent a number of emails and made telephone calls that police believe might help explain what happened. During a five-minute hearing at Westminster Coroner’s Court yesterday it was revealed that attempts were made to revive the nurse but they were ‘to no avail’.

Detective Chief Inspector James Harman said: ‘Jacintha Saldanha was found by a colleague and a member of security staff. Sadly she was found hanging.  ’There were also injuries to her wrist. The London Ambulance Service was called to the scene. At this time there are no suspicious circumstances.’ Scotland Yard detectives are examining the notes, as well as interviewing Mrs Saldanha’s friends, family and colleagues at London’s King Edward VII hospital.

Mrs Saldanha, a night sister, was the senior nurse on duty when she took a call at 5.30am on Tuesday from Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian, who were pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles.
She unwittingly transferred the call to a colleague, who described in detail the condition of Kate, who was being treated for severe morning sickness.

Mrs Saldanha’s accountant husband Ben Barboza, 49, identified her body. Coroner Fiona Wilcox opened and adjourned the inquest until March 26.

Mrs Saldanha, who was born in India, lived in London during the week and returned home to Bristol to be with her family at weekends.

Mr Barboza and children Junal, 17, and Lisha, 14, had been expecting her home for the weekend and were apparently unaware of her role in the hoax call.

Labour MP Keith Vaz, who has been representing the family, said they could expect the results of a post-mortem examination within four days.

A memorial service is due to take place in Bristol tonight and a mass is to be held for Mrs Saldanha at London’s Westminster Cathedral tomorrow morning.

© Daily Mail, London




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