Inquiry call into claims of abuse by Launceston General Hospital nurse James Geoffrey Griffin

Launceston’s Ward 4K want a formal inquiry into the historical child sex abuse allegations made against a former nurse to ensure crimes against children can never happen again in the Tasmanian Public Service.

• Serial paedophile James (Jim) Geoffrey Griffin worked with sick children in a Tasmanian hospital
• Premier launches independent investigation into ‘abhorrent’ LGH paedophile nurse James Griffin

THE government should call a Commission of Inquiry into abuse allegations made against a worker at the Launceston General Hospital, the nurses’ union says.

James Geoffrey Griffin, 69, of Legana, was charged with more than a dozen offences last October relating to crimes against children as young as 11.

He had worked in Paediatric Unit attached to Launceston Hospital since 2001.

Griffin died soon after being charged after taking a dangerous cocktail of drugs.

Premier Peter Gutwein last month announced an independent investigation into the allegations.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation today called for a State Commission of Inquiry into the allegations against Griffin.

James (Jim) Geoffrey Griffin worked at the Launceston General Hospital. Source: Supplied

ANMF Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said a rigorous and thorough inquiry was needed given Griffin’s extensive history across multiple workplaces in Tasmania.

“Members on Ward 4K have been extremely distressed by the magnitude of the allegations and the fact that they span a significant period of time, including during Mr Griffin’s time on Ward 4K at the Launceston General Hospital as a Registered Nurse,” Ms Shepherd said.

“As a result, while members welcome the independent investigation, they feel it is still not adequate, given that many agencies are involved and the breadth of the alleged crimes.

“They want a Commission of Inquiry into the historical child sexual abuse allegations made against Mr Griffin to ensure that anyone with information regarding these crimes is compelled to provide evidence to ensure that crimes against children, like those alleged, can never happen again in the Tasmanian Public Service.

“Our members believe daylight is the best disinfectant in these matters. No stone should be left unturned to ensure that every process, system, and support mechanism is analysed to identify the gaps and make the necessary improvements.”

Ms Shepherd said the union was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the situation in Launceston in 2019 until the charging and subsequent death of Mr Griffin.

She said complaints had been made by members on Ward 4K and a complaint was made to the Integrity Commission.

“The ANMF has a zero tolerance for any form of sexual misconduct, particularly in relation to those who are most vulnerable, including children and young people.”

Follow @DavidJKillick