Inquiry call into LGH deaths cover-up claims: nurse says multiple cases hidden from coroner

An experienced nurse alleges a disgraced senior administrator at the Launceston General Hospital failed to refer the deaths of multiple patients to the coroner despite being required to.

Parliament Ambulance Ramping Inquiry, Rosalie Woodruff MP, Simon Behrakis MP and Registered Nurse Tom Millen. Picture: Chris Kidd

An inquiry is needed into claims a disgraced senior administrator at the Launceston General Hospital failed to refer the deaths of multiple patients to the Coroner despite being required to do so by law, a parliamentary committee has heard.

Tom Millen told parliament’s ambulance ramping inquiry he has been a registered nurse for more than 20 years, mainly in the emergency department at the LGH.

He claimed the hospital’s former Director of Clinical Services Peter Renshaw failed to follow the Coroner’s Act in at least one case, and there have been “tea room discussions” of more.

Dr Renshaw came under adverse notice from the Commission of Inquiry for misleading his superiors about information relating to prolific paedophile and LGH nurse James Geoffrey Griffin — and for misleading the Commission itself.

He has since retired.

Mr Millen said the Commission’s findings had prompted him to approach the parliamentary inquiry.

“I want to speak about the role of the former Director of Clinical Services Dr Peter Renshaw and his role in essentially for three decades, in a senior role in the hospital and concerns that not only has there potentially, at best, been mismanagement or maladministration but at worst potential criminal activities that could have occurred with regard, especially around the Coroner’s Act,” he said.

“One of his specific roles as the Director of Clinical Services is he acted essentially … for a very prolonged period as the gatekeeper to the Coroner.

Peter Renshaw, Launceston General Hospital's executive director of medical services, has denied he lied to Department of Health secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks about what was known of the hospital-related offending of paedophile nurse James Geoffrey Griffin.

“So when someone would … die in the hospital, it would be him who had the final say on whether the case would go to the Coroner.

“There have been for a number of years, tea room conversations around why a case did not go to the Coroner.

“I personally can recall four or five, that I’m not necessarily familiar with the patient, but I remember that discussion being held and even discussions with doctors.”

Mr Millen said he was aware of a doctor who could give further evidence of having been blocked from referring a patient’s death to the coroner.

“The legislation is clear, if a person dies in a facility, the Act states succinctly it needs to be referred to the Coroner,” he said.

“What I’m saying is that, in this case where the doctor is willing to come and speak to you, he can clearly show you how that has been, the step of then referring to the Coroner has been blocked, despite the doctor was wanting to make this submission to the Coroner himself.

“All I’m calling for is an inquiry into has an illegal act occurred. It’s not then that’s that, if so, then the normal causes of justice should prevail.”

Mr Millen gave further evidence to the committee in a closed session. 

Dr Renshaw has not been charged with any crime.

A Department of Health spokesman said department hjad well-established processes in place to ensure compliance with the Coroner’s Act.

“The Department is aware that allegations were raised today during a hearing of the House of Assembly Select Committee on Transfer of Care Delays and will immediately review each of these matters once identifying information is received from the witness,” he said.

“Should employees or ex-employees wish to report a concern or allegation relating to a staff member they can do so confidentially to the Office of the Secretary at any time using our online form via Reporting Concerns of Inappropriate Behaviour Form.”