The family of a nurse who was found hanged after a prank call from two Australian DJs said today they will “never come to terms” with her death.
Jacintha Saldanha, 45, was at the Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone which was treating the Duchess of Cambridge when she took the call from 2Day FM presenters pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles.
Mrs Saldanha’s husband Benedict Barboza, 49, son Junal, 17, and daughter Lisha, 14, attended the pre-inquest hearing.
Labour MP Keith Vaz, who has been supporting the family since her death last December, said outside Westminster coroner’s court the family was still suffering from “enormous grief”.
He added: “These have been dreadful weeks and months for them. They will never come to terms with the death of Jacintha who they love so much, but they hope this process marks the beginning of the healing process.”
The family’s lawyer John Cooper, QC, told the court the station’s parent company did not make checks to see if the call should be broadcast — despite claims that “four or five” calls were made.
Coroner Fiona Wilcox said she did not believe the inquest should be an “extensive examination” of the conduct of various parties, but admitted it was relevant as it “may have affected” the nurse. The inquest begins in May.
