Sydney: MCAS Condoles Nurse Jacintha's Demise
Media Release
Sydney, Dec 11: Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc (INDAUS Inc) is saddened with the death of Jacintha Saldanha, a nurse in King Edward VII Hospital, London. She, along with another nurse, was the target of a prank call from DJs Michael Christian and Mel Greig from 2DayFM Radio station in Sydney. That call was recoded and broadcast.
Saldanha came from Mangalore area of India. Sydney’s Indian community, particularly Mangalorean community shares the grief following the unexpected death of this mother of two young children.
President of Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney (MCAS) and also the vice-president of INDAUS Inc, Stanley D’Cruz, expressed his and his community’s sadness with the death of this caring professional. D’Cruz said, "Our Hearts go out to Saldanha’s family and friends, particularly to her husbandand children."
He further said, "Indian nurses have a reputation as the caring and dedicated professionals. Nurses, being trusted professionals should not be put to any such things which can cause serious psychological pressure."
INDAUS Inc president, Dr Yadu Singh, said, "I have been following this incident ever since it happened. Death of a person under these circumstances is indeed a tragedy. It has an extra meaning for us as she was an Indian nurse. We express our heart-felt condolences to Jacintha Saldanha’s family and friends in UK and India.”
D’Cruz and Dr Singh also said, "Even though no one expected this to happen following a prank call, people should always think about the consequences of any action. Nurses and doctors are caring, trusting and dedicated professionals. They should not be subjected to flimsy or prank calls."
They also said, "A thorough enquiry should be conducted into the whole unfortunate saga to find out if anything illegal was done. Action should be taken if any applicable and relevant rule was breached."They also urged community members to look out for anyone in their circle who might be under pressure and help them seek appropriate help, if needed.
(Support is available for anyone who may be distressed by calling Lifeline 131 114, Mensline 1300 789 978, KidsHelpline 1800 551 800.)