Nurse had kid images at home

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 Legana man 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.

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.

Asked about support for former patients and families, Health Minister Sarah Courtney said: “We’ve stood up an independent investigation. Through that mechanism there will be avenues for people to come forward.”