The Decision and Mel Greig apologises

Staff Writer

The inquest into the death of Nurse Jacintha Saldanha concluded in London overnight.

The UK coroner, Dr Fiona Wilcox has not placed blame for her death on either Southern Cross Austereo or the Hospital, reaching a finding of death by suicide.

"The (death) was not reasonably foreseeable, as the support given to Ms Saldanha in between the hoax call and her death was reasonable and appropriate," Dr Wilcox said.

Mel Greig, who has been in London for the last couple of  days, was not required to give evidence; but was allowed to make a statement to the court. An emotional Mel addressed Jacintha’s family in the court, being her husband Ben and teenage children Lisha and Junal.

As reported in the Sydney Morning Herald:

“First to Jacintha's family: I am so sorry for your loss. I have wanted to say that to you for so long”, said Mel.

"I wish I'd tried harder to stop the prank call from airing. There is a lot to learn from this tragic event.”

"I believe that hospitals and media organisations should look into their procedures and policies to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again.”

"To fellow announcers and DJs I urge you to speak up if you don't feel comfortable and to consider the feelings of others when trying to make a joke.”

"The joke should always be on us the DJs."

According to the Sydney Morning Herald

Outside the court British MP Keith Vaz, who has been helping the family, hinted that they were looking into possible legal action against the hospital and against Southern Cross Radio (SCA).

The calls "which were the cause of such mirth in Australia. …deprived Ben of his wife, and Lisha and Junal of their beloved mother," Mr Vaz said. "These despicable and cruel actions, this hoax has changed their lives forever.

"The family of course accept the verdict of the coroner's court."

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