SCA respond to letter from hospital

Southern Cross Austereo Chairman Max Moore-Wilton has responded to Lord Glenarthur's letter from earlier today in which he said…

"I am writing to protest in the strongest possible terms about the hoax call made from your radio station, 2Day FM, to this hospital last Tuesday.

King Edward VII's Hospital cares for sick people, and it was extremely foolish of your presenters even to consider trying to lie their way through to one of our patients, let alone actually make the call.

Then to discover that, not only had this happened, but that the call had been pre-recorded and the decision to transmit approved by your station's management, was truly appalling.

The immediate consequence of these premeditated and ill-considered actions was the humiliation of two dedicated and caring nurses who were simply doing their job tending to their patients.

The longer term consequence has been reported around the world and is, frankly, tragic beyond words.

I appreciate that you cannot undo the damage which has been done but I would urge you to take steps to ensure that such an incident could never be repeated."

This is Max Moore-Wilton's response in full…

"Thank you for your letter of the 8th December.

We are all saddened by the events of the last few days. They are truly tragic.

It is too early to know the full details leading to this tragic event and we are anxious to review the results of an investigation that may be made available to us or made public. We can assure you that we will be fully cooperative with all investigations.

As we have said in our own statements on the matter, the outcome was unforeseeable and very regrettable.

I can assure you we are taking immediate action and reviewing the broadcast and processes involved.

Our Company joins with you, all at King Edward VII's Hospital and Mrs Saldanha's family and friends in mourning their tragic loss."

SCA have also posted a video statement from their CEO, Rhys Holleran, on the company's website…

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