Health Minister Sarah Courtney knew of LGH nurse abuse claims ‘15 months ago’

Tasmania’s Health Minister has revealed she first heard the “appalling” sex abuse allegations involving a former nurse at the Launceston General Hospital more than a year ago, denying she ‘sat on the information’.

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TASMANIA’S Health Minister has revealed she first heard the “appalling” sex abuse allegations involving a former nurse at the Launceston General Hospital 15 months ago.

Sarah Courtney, in response to a question in parliament from Labor Leader Rebecca White, said she first became aware of the alleged abuse on July 21 last year.

But she categorically refuted Labor’s assertion she had “sat on the information”.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmania Branch has called for a State Commission of Inquiry to be held into the historic sexual abuse claims against now-deceased paediatric nurse James Geoffrey Griffin.

Mr Griffin also worked as a nurse at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and was contracted to provide relief medic services on the Spirit of Tasmania.

Tasmanian and Launceston General Hospital James (Jim) Geoffrey Griffin. SOURCE: SUPPLIED

Ms Courtney said she, like the rest of the community, was appalled by the allegations and all matters were now being independently investigated.

“If further action is recommended by the investigators it will be taken. It is important members of the community understand there is a mechanism for them to come froward and they will be supported.”

Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said the Tasmanian Government needed to stop dodging serious questions and provide a legitimate explanation on why an investigation was not launched immediately and care and support to families, alleged victims and hospital staff provided.

“Minister Courtney has confirmed she was told about these allegations last July but has failed to explain why she took no action to launch an inquiry until October this year,” Ms Lovell said.

“She has failed to grasp the magnitude of these dreadful allegations and she clearly feels no responsibility or accountability.”