Jacintha Case - Aussie Radio Station Feels the Heat, UK's Nursing Community in Shock


Jacintha Case - Aussie Radio Station Feels the Heat, UK's Nursing Community in Shock

Daijiworld Media Network

London, Dec 8: The prank call that led to suspected suicide of nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who hailed from Mangalore, has had the Australian radio station which aired the prank in a fix. Ever since her death was reported on Friday December 7, Sydney's 2Day FM has been on the receiving end of much criticism and public fury from across the world.

Jacintha Saldanda, who was married to Benedict Barboza from Shirva, Udupi in India, was found dead two days after a prank call by the radio's presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian, who pretended to be the Queen and Prince Charles and elicited private information on Kate Middleton's health from a nurse at King Edward VII hospital where the duchesss was admitted. It was Jacintha who had transferred the call, believing Grieg to be the Queen.


Jacintha Saldanha


The radio presenters who played the prank

Following the controvesy, all advertisements have been suspended indefinitely from the radio channel, reported UK's 'Mirror'.

"Ads were pulled from Sydney’s 2Day FM as the fallout from the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha continued," the Mirror stated.

It further said, "Following the backlash against the presenters and the station, a spokeswoman for the radio station owner, Southern Cross Austereo, confirmed there would be no advertising on 2Day FM over the weekend.

"Sandy Kay said: 'We have suspended advertising at least until Monday on that radio station in Sydney out of respect to advertisers until business issues can really be addressed. Advertisers obviously have panicked, I'm sure it will all settle down.'

The move was prompted by the pullout of ads by Australian supermarket giant Coles and Telstra. The company in its statement said that it had instructed the 2Day FM to remove all its ads, as it was apparent that Australians were clearly angry and upset about the incident.

The Mirror also stated that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which regulates radio broadcasting, has been receiving complaints and that it is now in the process of discussing the matter with the Sydney-based station.

"We've had a lot but it doesn't actually matter, we only need one complaint to launch an investigation. But we haven't launched an investigation yet, we're engaging with the licensee at the moment," the report quoted an ACMA spokeswoman.

The ACMA is looking at the Commercial Radio Code of Practice to see whether presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian have breached it.

Extending its 'deepest sympathies' to the Jacintha's family and all who have been affected by the incident, the radio station said in a statement that both presenters were 'deeply shocked' and will not comment on the issue.

"It is understood Jacintha had not been formally reprimanded over the hoax and St James’s Palace said it had never reported it to the hospital," the Mirror stated, adding that the police said they were not treating the death as suspicious.



Nursing Bodies express shock and concern

Meanwhile, UK daily 'Express' reported that healthcare organisations have expressed concern over the fatal hoax call.

"A spokesman for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said it did 'not condone' the trick played by 2day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian to extract information from the staff treating Kate," it stated.

As per the report, RCN chief executive Dr Peter Carter said in a statement: "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."

The New South Wales Nurses and Midwives' Association also released a statement, in which it said, "The New South Wales Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWNMA) expresses its sincere condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of British nurse Jacintha Saldanha.

"The NSWNMA had written to Mr Jeremy Simpson, general manager of 2Day FM, prior to this tragic incident occurring.

"We urge all nurses and midwives who are under pressure or feeling stress to seek appropriate assistance and to not feel afraid to reach out for help."

The letter from NSWNMA general secretary Brett Holmes expressing his concerns about the prank call was sent to the Australian radio station yesterday before he was aware of Ms Saldanha's death, the Express stated.

In the letter, he said: "While I appreciate that your station may well consider this incident a successful coup in terms of its news and entertainment value... I would like to draw your attention to the very serious professional consequences such a stunt would have had for a nurse or midwife in the Australian context."

The letter explains that if the call had been to a hospital in Australia, the nurses involved could potentially have had to go through three separate disciplinary processes, including those conducted by their employer and other inquiries conducted by the regulating authority and the Health Care Complaints Commission.

He described these processes as "stressful and deeply traumatic experiences for many nurses and midwives, regardless of the level of wrongdoing".

The letter adds: "In the future I urge you to consider the personal toll such a prank could exact from a profession care-giver."

He said he hoped the station "has undertaken to never again attempt to jeopardise their professional standing by perpetrating such a deception against another hardworking nurse or midwife".

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Norbert Cutinho, Mangalore/Vancouver Canada

    Tue, Dec 11 2012

    It's so sad and tragic that even in this 21st century due to these paparazzi's and pranksters people have to sacrifice their lives. This incident reminds me of the death of Pricess Diana. It is a shame that they blame the nurse instead of blaming their security system in the hospital. They should have screened the calls with caller id before transferring the call to the respective ward. We are partly to be blamed who give so much importance to Royal news so that these idiots sell photographs and make news and get rich and in the bargain such good personalities have to sacrifice their lives.

    May her soul rest in peace!
    May God grant strength to the family to bear this loss.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald Dsilva, Mudarangadi Vidyanagar

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Benna, Kids and all family members of Jascintha, Please accept our heartfelt condolence. after many years I am hearing about you in a very tragic news. GOd Bless you all and give you a courage to bear the loss
    Rony Dsilva, & Fly Vidyanagar Mudarangadi

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • renzil rainal, mangalore

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    may her soul rest in peace. what we lost is can not be bought back. and this kind of incidents shouldn't take place anywhere. those two DJ's must put behind the bar

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • joegonsalves, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Here is a heart rending story (an account) Jacintha Barbosa - nee Saldanha a well known and well accepted person of Indian Origin. Hailing from Dakshina Kannada District she had her early Nursing education and qualifications from an Institute of repute in Mangalore viz Father Muller's College of Nursing. Her appointment at The Royal Nursing Institute is not surprising as she was one of the best in her profession. The important question is could Aussie Radio Station accept a version from Mel Grieg and Michael Christian without authentication. Again what kind of retribution will the two responsible for death will make?.

    It is sincerely hoped that the guilty are punished and made an example to others.

    Joe Gonsalves

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Elena, Moscow

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    If this dutchess was a noble person she would comfort and reassure the poor nurse - the royal do-nothing could at least say a kind word to these people who work hard and deserve respect.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Blaan Mendonca, USA

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    United Kingdom is a democratic country. United Kingdom supports for democracy all over the world and are also supporting to remove rulers and kings in other countries. Then why United Kingdom is considering the Royal family so superior then their government. Is this not a discrimination and double standard from United Kingdom for the rest of the world. We are in the 21st century promoting democracy, freedom,and rights of the people. Why do the world support the Royal family of United Kingdom. United Kingdom invaded so many countries including India. The churches of the Anglican Communion have their historical roots in the English Reformation, when King Henry VIII (r. 1509-1547) wished to obtain a divorce that the pope would not grant. Through the Act of Supremacy of 1534, the king made himself the "supreme head" of the Church of England in place of the Pope.

    After this dramatic move, King Henry dissolved England's monasteries, destroyed Catholic shrines, and ordered the Great Bible (in English) to be placed in all churches. However, Henry allowed few doctrinal changes and very little changed in the religious life of the common English worshiper. Under Henry VIII, and the Church of England remained almost fully Catholic with the exception of loyalty to Rome.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • ruchi, udupi

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    This is just a drama, we in INDIA can only pray for the soul of Jacinatha and pray for the family of her, but mind u this is for sure not a sucide, this is just another Diana episode, I might sound funny but these things happen in day to day life of rich and the elite, how did Sanjay Ghandhi die, is still a mystery, but a strong women like jacintha with a strong family bond, and well to do , and a god fearing family will never never comnmit a sucide so lets, not thing of that the royals are capable of anything for the royals money is family, nothing elese , may Jacintha soul rest in peace and may god help to give her and her family jusitice

    DisAgree [1] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Annie D'silva, Mumbai/Shirva

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Very sad to hear this tragic incident May Jacintha's soul rest in peace and May our Good Lord give strength and courage to her husband and two beautiful kids to bear this sudden loss

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Browny - Kuwait, Kuwait

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Why BBC again & again repeating "Jacintha was a First Class Nurse" after her death. What if she is alive? This shows the extreme pressure on Jacintha. Surely its not a suicide.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Simon, Goa

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    The pressure must have been overwhelming.What did she face from the Hospital Management and from the Crown??

    DisAgree [2] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • joegonsalves, Mangalore

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Here is a heart rending story (an account) Jacintha Barbosa - nee Saldanha a well known and well accepted person of Indian Origin. Hailing from Dakshina Kannada District she had early Nursing education and qualifications from an Institute of repute in Mangalore viz Father Muller's College of Nursing. Her appointment at The Royal Nursing Institute is not surprising as she was one of the best in her profession. The important question is could Aussie Radio Station accept a version from Mel Grieg and Michael Christian without authentication. Again what kind of retribution will the two responsible for death will make?.

    It is sincerely hoped that the guilty are punished and made an example to others.

    Joe Gonsalves

    DisAgree [6] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Peter Fernandes , Moodubelle/Nottingham UK

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Really shocking news and we don't believe such a brave girl committed suicide? ? We can't understand whom to blame?ist lack of support from hospital authorities? Otherwise she wouldn't take such extreme step. We all waiting for a inquiry to finish then all truth Will come out.So at this time we need to support Benna and family. I request all mangaloreans living around UK please support.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Janet Cutinha/ Fernandes, Shirva, AbuDhabi, UAE

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Dear Benedict, and entire family,heartfelt condolance to you all.May the soul of jessy rest in peace.I was very sad to hear the news of jessy that she is no more with us now.We both worked together in Fr. Mullers Hospital (O.T)as well as in saudi arabia and also a neighbour in Shriva, Mangalore. We where very close to each other.she was very jovious and kind lady i ever saw. I was shocked to hear the news.May god give the courage and strength to the entire family to bear the painful situation.

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • sunil, mlre/uae

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    very sad news. may her soul R.I.P
    HOPE JUSTICE WILL GET for jacinthas fly... its very shocking ,,, that indian ambassodrs are USELESS... THEY NEVER ... HELP ANY INDIANS .. WHEN THEY ARE IN TROUBLE... OR EVEN indian foreign minister... he dnt have guts,, to raise any indians issue in other country...THEY DNT BOTHER ABOUT nris ..
    even indian embassy stafff behaves rudely..
    TILL NOW OUR . congi govt,,, sleeping.?????. so many issues like.. NRI... DEATH........of savitha halppnar,,, now jacinthas death....
    come on india govt,, put presuure on pertaing country{ uk, ireland} . indian govt pretends as if nris are ,,,,, scrape goat,,,,,so on....

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bulsam, Mangalore

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    In the Case of Jacintha, the other party was the revered royal family of England and Jacintha’s family members were well settled there. During such turmoil, her own family members, her colleagues in the hospital, her friend circle in the society, the friends of her husband and children definitely would have got abused, criticized or taunted day in and day out and in such highly charged situation she could not take it any further and took this drastic action.
    The best thing the hospital could have done was to keep the whole matter a tight secret and discuss this in a closed door discussion with the royal family members and the other people concerned to so that it did not reach the hospital staff and the notorious paparazzi will have a field day to make this a breaking news and breaking homes.
    Such dedicated and so popular nurse Ms Jacintha who had graduated from Fr. Muller’s Nursing College, was from our backyard Valencia. It was a great tragedy to her family and the people of this region. May her soul rest in Peace!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mario, Goa

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    May her soul rest in peace.People should think twice before playing cruel jokes on others.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • MSSheik, Mangalore/Dubai

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Guys, I suspect a foul play. I do not think she could have ended her life so easily when she had a very strong background of good heath and a loving family.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Blaan Mendonca, USA

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Vivek Udipi I absolutley agree with your comments. You have given excellent reasoning and I believe it is 100 percent true. We personally know that Jacintha Saldanha was a brave and smart nurse. She will not succumb to simple things. She has committed suicide in the hospital because the hospital Authority has threatened to take action against her as she was made a scapegoat. The hospital Authority must have threatened to take action againt the Nurse Jacintha Saldanha because the hospital Authority has considered as a breach of security.

    Jacintha Saldanha found dead after 2 days of prank call - looks like this suicide is suspicious and truth is hidden by the hospital authorities and jacintha was made victim just for forwarding the call, being a nurse and not the receptionist.

    The second nurse gave out the medical condition of Kate. Jacintha was made scapegoat, which she could not bear the pressure and stress.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Blaan Mendonca, USA

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    We knew Jacintha for many years. The suicide of the London nurse who was "pranked" by two Australian radio DJs has incited outrage from around the globe. "Jacintha was a very efficient, brave, smart, intelligent and lively personality, who had won laurels in her nursing studies at Father Muller Medical College Hospital. Jacintha Saldanha and her husband were married in 1993 and moved to Muscat in Oman before arriving in the UK nine years ago."It is really shocking to hear that Jacintha is no more. May her soul rest in peace and that you all may have the strength from the Lord to bear this great loss.The Royal Family Prank, as it is called, can easily be tied to the question as to why did Jacintha Saldanha kill herself, as investigators suspect that her guilt over the incident led to her committing suicide. Although everyone in the royal family was upset over the breach of security, everyone, including Kate Middleton, is saddened by Jacintha Saldanha’s death. The hospital Management must have threatened to take action against the nurses for transferring the call and also the other nurse. With Michael Christian pretending to be Prince Charles and Mel Christian pretending to be Queen Elizabeth, Jacintha Saldanha, who was working as a receptionist that day, was fooled by their accents and patched them through to another nurse, who divulged that Kate Middleton was stable at the moment” after “retching” from a nasty case of hyperemesis gravidarum.
    Jacintha Saldanha must have thought there was no way back.
    "It should not have happened at all because Jacintha is not at fault. May those who are responsible for her death understand the mistake they have committed and ask pardon from the Lord. "Everyone is shocked by the loss of a much loved and valued colleague. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family and friends."
    Blaan, Winny, Blossom, and Brian Mendonca

    DisAgree [4] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • B.A.NAINAR, Bendoor well kankanadi. Mangalore-2

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    No one can guess behind of this incident,
    must be take action,and inquire about this sucide or murder why? we hope result will get as soon as,,,,,

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • patrick, kinnigoly/mumbai

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    if true? moral from incident for all our youths isface reality and do
    not run away from it.
    if not?recall JOHN F.KENNEDY assasination mystry in history.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • kiran Acharya, Manipal

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Whatever the cause of her death, the culprits behind this sad episode are the RJ`s. Sadly that is the state of present day media men. Getting the "breaking news" at any cost! Whether peeping into others private lives, barging into hospital treatment areas, publishing ghastly images of accident victims...revealing the identity of victims of sexual assault...all these forms of invasion of privacy has become a "trend" in the breaking news culture. Tomorrow being the world human rights day, we should at least pledge, not to support such development.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen D'souza, Valencia-Kuwait

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Dear Benedict & children
    Naveen Saldana & FLY, (Brother of Jacintha Saldana)
    May Her Soul Rest In Peace.
    RJ's of that Australian FM Radio,shame on you.Play mischief on your family members.A criminal case should be registerd and stringent action should be taken against those criminals. PLEASE ACCEPY MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO ENTIRE FAMILY MEMBERS.
    Naveen D'souza & Fly


    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aadil Khan, Kasaragod, Saudi Arabia

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    I guess, had she discussed her fear and mental anguish following the incident, and got counselled, probably this tragedy could have been averted. I pity the teens.

    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santhosh D'souza, Mangalore / Dubai

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    May Jacitha's soul rest in peace. May almighty god give the courage to bear this irreparable loss, to her family members and loved once.

    Australian forefathers are criminals, rapists, thieves and deported for life. From this episode again they are proved the same. They both are unfit to live in this civilized society. B'z of two foolish aussies one shining star from Mangalore is no more. Those two DJ's should be tried and justice should be given to her family. The justice should set an example to all other DJ’s who have taken all others for a ride and granted.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Maurice D'Mello, Pangla/toronto

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    I was extremely distressed to read this sad news, and have been following up the stories that followed. I agree with the 'Washington Post' report which said:
    "Which brings us to another explanation — which seem outlandish, but is widely considered possible: Jacintha Saldana killed herself because she couldn’t live with the guilt of having violated the royal family’s privacy."

    She felt violated in her person with the prank and she took the drastic step. After all Mangalorean girl she is, and how much we care about our 'moryad'.

    I am sorry and my deep and heartfelt condolences to her beloved Benna and children. She died for a cause and hope this is a lesson for the pranksters, who seek publicity and sell their tabloids. Money is not every nthing. Rest in Peace dear Jascinta, my prayers are with you.

    So Long.

    Maurice and sons
    Colin: Anchor, CTV.CA Toronto
    Ryan: Evolio.com

    DW thanks for covering the news, Illustrations of her roots in Mangalore/Canara.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vivek, Udupi

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Jacitha found dead after 2 days of prank call - looks like this suicide is suspecious and truth is hidden by the hospital authorities and jacintha was made victim just for forwarding the call, being a nurse and not the receptionist.

    The second nurse gave out the medical condition of Kate. Jacintha was made scapegoat, which she could not bear the pressure and stress.

    Will there be investigation ? I never think so.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [81] Reply Report Abuse

  • Preetham, mumbai

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Hi folks, here there is two sides of the story
    One side of the story in western world its a culture prank calls, naming and shaming, glamour making money, bugging famous people all these etc......
    Another side of the story is Jacintha is used non of these cultures above looklike she is dead honest and family girl, when above challenges came in front of her, dead honest again, but she didnt think all the above. Under pressure girl gone the way fo suiciding herself. I really feel sorry for her and her family, may her soul rest in peace. amen.. Guys and girls never take life too seriously, if one door closes another opens if think that always successfull... Thank you.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jacintha fernandes Lobo, shirva, Abudhabi

    Sat, Dec 08 2012

    I am very saddened to hear the shocking news of my colleague from Fr. Mullers hospital. She was extremely humble and jovial person. Lord have mercy on jacintha who took a extreme step due to the stress. May her soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to Mr. Benedict and the children of theirs.

    DisAgree Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • HINDUSTANI, Manipal/Dubai

    Sat, Dec 08 2012

    May Her soul RIP..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Sat, Dec 08 2012

    My heart says that Jacintha didn't commit suicide..There was no need to commit suicide..Very transparent and perfect investigation will reveal the truth..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 08 2012

    My sincere prayers always to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is to strengthen all the young, the old and the children not indulge in suicide rather face life courageously. It is unfortunate Jacinta Saldanha committed suicide. After all there will be a case and there is no death penalty for the citizens of U.K., and only some imprisonment if convicted.

    After reading the news it looks as if it is not her fault but depression caused her to commit suicide. These all cases of extreme steps must be addressed in the family by father and mother without hiding or hesitating. All the families must commit themselves that they will not take extreme steps in life convincingly with children.

    Suicide is not the solution to anybodies life.
    May Jacintha Saldanha’s soul Rest In Peace.
    Kindly face life. May God bless all of us.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • JerryMoras.com, Calgary, Canada

    Sat, Dec 08 2012

    May her soul rest in peace

    I don't think it the call that made to end her life but there could be other reasons :

    King Edward VII’s Hospital must have removed from job or may be hospital mgt must have been drilling her mind back and forth or police must have been bugging her.

    Who knows cover up storey??

    DisAgree [6] Agree [86] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Jacintha Case - Aussie Radio Station Feels the Heat, UK's Nursing Community in Shock



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