Paedophile nurse James Griffin had child exploitation photos of three patients

Three young patients of a Tasmanian paedophile nurse were captured in child exploitation photos found at his home, a parliamentary committee has heard this afternoon. LATEST >>

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THREE patients of a Tasmanian paedophile nurse were captured in child exploitation photos found at his home, a parliamentary committee has heard.

Last October, Tasmania Police laid more than a dozen charges against 69-year-old James Griffin, who had worked at the Launceston General Hospital’s paediatric ward since 2001.

The charges related to sexual offences against children as young as 11.

After being charged on October 3, 2019, Griffin was found 11 days later in his home unresponsive after consuming a cocktail of drugs.

He died four days later at the LGH.

Tasmanian and Launceston General Hospital nurse James (Jim) Geoffrey Griffin.

Speaking at an estimates hearing on Monday, Department of Health secretary Katherine Morgan-Wicks said three of Griffin’s patients were found in child exploitation material found at his house.

“I’m informed from my internal review, October 2019, The Tasmania Health Service was contacted by Tasmania Police that alleged child exploitation material had been uncovered and Tasmania Police requested assistance from the THS to identify children in the hospital setting,” she said.

“A small number [of children] were identified, and following advice from Tasmania Police, open disclosure to families has been completed.”

Ms Morgan-Wicks said the THS was made aware of nine complaints, or alleged incidents, raised by colleagues against Griffin across the course of his 27-year tenure.

Greens Health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff quizzed Health Minister Sarah Courtney about what support measures were being given to former patients of Griffin and their families.

Ms Courtney said she had spoken to “a number of families who’ve had children in that ward”.

“We’ve stood up an independent investigation. Through that mechanism there will be avenues for people to come forward,” she said.

“We have also publicly stated the support services that are available for victims of any kind of sexual assault.”

Ms Courtney defended questions about why information about Griffin’s alleged behaviour didn’t come to light soon after the THS was informed about it in 2019.

“I have acted on the advice of the department, the department has acted on advice to them,” she said.

“The extent of the information that has come to light was not known to me previously.

“The premier has announced a commission of inquiry and the Department of Health will co-operate fully. I strongly feel the matters raised will be investigated fully, and we have the most robust system possible – it’s what the community expects.”