Duchess of Cambridge's nurse has reportedly been found dead

[Stokesy]

I don't see how prank calling a hospital and putting someone in a position where they may breach patient confidentiality can ever be considered harmless. I accept that it was intended as a joke and that the DJs could never have forseen the end result. It was incredibly ill advised and inconsiderate but it was a joke.

My main problem it that the call was pre-recorded. Everyone involved had a chance to sit down and say "we got a bit more than we expected here, let's bin it". They knew full well that the nurses would be thrust under the media spotlight and that they may be subjected to disciplinary procedures. The fact that the hospital said that they wouldn't be disciplined is irrelevant. The people at the radio station did not know this at the time.

It's also worth pointing out that the DJs made a half baked apology then proceeded to brag about the stunt on Facebook and Twitter. They didn't give a crap about the impact that it had on the nurses until one of them wound up dead.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Still don't understand how a person can just phone up and be accepted as the Queen, no questions asked though? Surely there should be a password or verification procedure?

To me this seems to be the angle thats most important yet most overlooked. The stunt was pathetic but it certainly seems like anyone could have called up and got information and everyone is too busy sounding off about other things to ask why this is the case.

 

[aardvark]

I don't see how prank calling a hospital and putting someone in a position where they may breach patient confidentiality can ever be considered harmless. I accept that it was intended as a joke and that the DJs could never have forseen the end result. It was incredibly ill advised and inconsiderate but it was a joke.

My main problem it that the call was pre-recorded. Everyone involved had a chance to sit down and say "we got a bit more than we expected here, let's bin it". They knew full well that the nurses would be thrust under the media spotlight and that they may be subjected to disciplinary procedures. The fact that the hospital said that they wouldn't be disciplined is irrelevant. The people at the radio station did not know this at the time.

It's also worth pointing out that the DJs made a half baked apology then proceeded to brag about the stunt on Facebook and Twitter. They didn't give a crap about the impact that it had on the nurses until one of them wound up dead.

yep, pretty much.

and they apparently phoned 'several times' to try and get permission and couldn't get through - still broadcast it though.
yes its a tragic situation and the dj's are obviously not directly responsible for the nurses suicide, but if was handed a little bit better none of this would have happened.

 

[NeilF]

To me this seems to be the angle thats most important yet most overlooked. The stunt was pathetic but it certainly seems like anyone could have called up and got information and everyone is too busy sounding off about other things to ask why this is the case.

I suspect the papers are annoyed they didn't think of it first!

 

[Ilikeitblackplease]

Here's what the top comment was on the story before the Daily Mail removed it:

http://imgur.com/r/unitedkingdom/1Y6t9

Good job DM, good job.

Spot on.

 

[Yas786]

I have to say, while the prank was idiotic, it was just that, a (should have been) harmless prank.

The death is being described as an 'honour suicide' is it not... which kind of says it all...

The nurse must have been a mental wreck before this happened, and this could have pushed her over the edge. It's very unfortunate but the press are as much to blame as the DJ's who pulled the 'prank', due to their massively over the top reporting on the incident.

It's also quite possible that this may have happened anyway, prank or no prank.

I don't support the vilification of the DJ's, they are somewhat foolish, but ultimately they didn't do an awful lot wrong.

This pretty much sums up how i feel. Its tragic that the nurse committed suicide but i dont personally believe that it was 'solely' to do with this prank in all honesty.

 

[wordy]

I don't see how prank calling a hospital and putting someone in a position where they may breach patient confidentiality can ever be considered harmless. I accept that it was intended as a joke and that the DJs could never have forseen the end result. It was incredibly ill advised and inconsiderate but it was a joke.

My main problem it that the call was pre-recorded. Everyone involved had a chance to sit down and say "we got a bit more than we expected here, let's bin it". They knew full well that the nurses would be thrust under the media spotlight and that they may be subjected to disciplinary procedures. The fact that the hospital said that they wouldn't be disciplined is irrelevant. The people at the radio station did not know this at the time.

It's also worth pointing out that the DJs made a half baked apology then proceeded to brag about the stunt on Facebook and Twitter. They didn't give a crap about the impact that it had on the nurses until one of them wound up dead.

This. It's obvious by the very fact that they make the call that they didn't give two hoots about the future of the person they spoke to, otherwise they wouldn't have.... a)done it the 1st place or... b)when they realised they'd been sucsessful they wouldn't have aired it. If it wasn't for the resulting media storm surrounding the nusres death I reckon they still wouldn't give a crap.

Here's what the top comment was on the story before the Daily Mail removed it:

http://imgur.com/r/unitedkingdom/1Y6t9

Good job DM, good job.

While disagree with the bit about it just been a harmless prank gone wrong by two innocent little lambs, I do agree the British press have acted up to their usual awful level and shouldn't be suprised that they think they are above blame and any wrong doing.

 

[estebanrey]

To me this seems to be the angle thats most important yet most overlooked. The stunt was pathetic but it certainly seems like anyone could have called up and got information and everyone is too busy sounding off about other things to ask why this is the case.

Bit of a double edged sword for the person who took the call though. If it is the Queen and you hang up on her, you are screwed. If you don't and it turns out to be a prank you're screwed too.

In hindsight it's easy to say how you'd have handled the call, but it's not as easy when you're in a high pressure environment and have to think at that moment in time.

 

[ince]

another report says that they tried 5 times to get the consent of the nurses but despite not being able to do so played the call anyway.

this shows that they knew they were on thin ice but ignored the consequences.

there are also reports that laws have been broken in Australia for not getting the consents.

now that someone has died they must face the music. did they intend for this to get out of hand? No. but it has resulted in a death. they cant then say we had no responsibility or involvement.

you cant go around and interfere in people lives for a 'laugh' and think it is ok. if terrible things flow from that you are partly responsible and must face the consequences.

 

[NeilF]

now that someone has died they must face the music.

The most ridiculous thing I think I've ever read on this forum. And the competition has been fierce! In truth, it's the kind of thing I'd expect someone to write who can't even find the shift key on their keyboard. Hang on!

It was a silly questionable prank, nothing more. The fact there's an unfortunate death in reality is nothing more than that, ie: unfortunate. Let's not get carried away please!

 

[ince]

how can someone be so stupid. you sound like someone who cant take responsibility for their actions.

if they hadnt made the call no one would be dead. therefore they are responsible, to what extent is for a court to find out. simple like you.

 

[LOAM]

The thought process is messed up in devising such a prank. It's not like calling Asda and saying your pizza has no topping. What was the intention of the presenters, if they expected to be brushed off or hung up on then where is the entertainment in that recording?.

You don't have to be intelligent to grasp that there's not vast amounts of opportunity to extract a humorous skit from an actual person in hospital. I just can't understand why someone on the production team didn't think "wait this is stupid". If they get brushed off its a none event and likely unusable and if they get put through and optain information then its a gigantic breach of privacy and they must know that who ever processes that call at the hospital is in for a rollicking.

So whilst they weren't to have known it would end like it did, they were on dodgy ground from the start.

 

[Robbo]

if they hadnt made the call no one would be dead.

How do you know she wasn't planning it anyway? That's a possibility.

 

[NeilF]

The thought process is messed up in devising such a prank. It's not like calling Asda and saying your pizza has no topping. What was the intention of the presenters, if they expected to be brushed off or hung up on then where is the entertainment in that recording?.

You don't have to be intelligent to grasp that there's not vast amounts of opportunity to extract a humorous skit from an actual person in hospital. I just can't understand why someone on the production team didn't think "wait this is stupid". If they get brushed off its a none event and likely unusable and if they get put through and optain information then its a gigantic breach of privacy and they must know that who ever processes that call at the hospital is in for a rollicking.

So whilst they weren't to have known it would end like it did, they were on dodgy ground from the start.

Yep, it was ill-conceived and silly. And it won't be the last time such a thing happens with the advantage of 20-20 hindsight. But it's nothing more than that, ie: silly!

 

[Uther]

Ignoring the fact that she committed suicide, which in itself is a complete and utter tragedy in this story, I still think that any prank call which can easily result in the loss of someone's job is an utter disgrace. There was always a chance that the person would put the call through and the Duchess's medical state discussed, and as previously mentioned this would put that persons job at risk. They should have known this, and shouldn't have done the prank. It shows a complete disregard for that person.

Agree completely. Anything for a laugh and no thought to the consequences. If they are finished,good, maybe it will make others thinks twice before trying such 'pranks' in future.

 

[NeilF]

you sound like someone who cant take responsibility for their actions.

DJ's turn up and knife nurse to death. Dj's ring a number and try some terrible impersonations. Can you differentiate between the "responsibility" in question here??

if they hadnt made the call no one would be dead. therefore they are responsible, to what extent is for a court to find out. simple like you.

There was no intent to harm at all though? And no reasonable expectation it could cause harm. If you jump out from behind a door in order to shock your friend, and they fall over dead from an unfortunate heart attack, would you expect to be locked up?

They made a questionable/silly prank call. There was no malice and no intent to harm. Unfortunately, the PRESS played the matter up so much, it seemingly pushed the lady in question too far. But even that we don't know yet!


The only problem I see is individuals running around with pitch forks unable to see an unfortunate event for what it is... Unfortunate.

 

[antijoke]

Saw it on the news at lunch, cannot take the Australian's seriously.

Sounds like an episode of Home & Away/Neighbours.

 

[reefoid]

Yep, it was ill-conceived and silly. And it won't be the last time such a thing happens with the advantage of 20-20 hindsight. But it's nothing more than that, ie: silly!

It was more than silly. Even before the nurse took her life, it was at best irresponsible and, at worst, harassment.

I don't blame the DJ's for her death, but they were almost definitely a contributory factor. If you are involved in creating this kind of childish entertainment, you can't then absolve yourself of any responsibility when it goes wrong.

This wasn't some celebrity who uses the press to their own advantage when they feel like it. Or a wannabe reality show participant. This was a normal person, a mother, a nurse. She could have been someone that any of us could have known. And through no fault of her own she was ridiculed across the globe. Do you think that can be categorised as just "silly"? It was irresponsible, spiteful and totally unjustified.

Yes, the UK press need to accept they haven't helped the situation and accept responsibility for that (yeah, right!!), but these DJ's also need to understand what they did was wrong and crossed the line.

 

[deuse]

Saw it on the news at lunch, cannot take the Australian's seriously.

Sounds like an episode of Home & Away/Neighbours.

Agree. I hope they never work in radio\tv after this.

 

[aardvark]

exactly, they made a prank call and it just so happened to be to someone very sensitive - if they did their job and actually asked for permission before airing it then maybe they would have found out that it could badly affect someone and that its not worth airing.
its a tragic situation but it could have been avoided and that makes them slightly culpable, not 100%, but some.