A NURSE at the private hospital that
treated the Duchess of Cambridge has reportedly committed suicide, days
after being duped by an Australian radio hoax.
Jacinta Saldanha's unconscious body was found in a home close to the King Edward VII Hospital on Friday morning, UK.
King Edward VII Hospital, where a nurse took a
prank call from radio DJs while Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge was
undergoing care.
Ambulances were dispatched but paramedics could not revive her.
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 hospital announced the death of Ms Saldanha with "very deep sadness" in a statement released to the media.
Royal prank: Aussie radio hosts Mel Greig and Michael Christian. Picture: AFP Photo / Southern Cross Austero
The statement said "We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital.
"The hospital has been supporting her throughout this difficult time.
"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."
A source told the Mail the woman appeared to have killed herself.
She was reportedly
the nurse staffing the hospital switchboard who, two days earlier, took
a phone call from 2Day FM DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian.
Britain's Prince WiIliam, the Duke of
Cambridge, (L) poses for pictures with his wife Catherine, Duchess of
Cambridge, as they leave the King Edward VII hospital in central London.
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."
The
hospital worker 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 her condition.
The stunt made international headlines and both the station and the presenters have apologised.
The
hospital said it "take(s) patient confidentiality extremely seriously"
and launched a "review of telephone protocols" after the stunt.
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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.
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