London hospital defends handling of case

The London hospital that treated Prince William's wife Kate has defended its response to the hoax call storm following reports the nurse duped by the prank left a suicide note criticising colleagues.

Jacintha Saldanha, 46, was found hanged a week ago, days after taking a call at King Edward VII's hospital from two Australian radio presenters posing as Queen Elizabeth II and William's father Prince Charles.

She had transferred the call to another nurse who revealed details of Kate's severe morning sickness.

The Guardian newspaper reported on Friday that one of three notes left by Saldanha had criticised hospital staff.

The hospital says it offered support to Saldanha and had stressed to her that she would not be disciplined for falling victim to the prank.

"There have been reports today about the alleged contents of one of the notes found in Jacintha's room," the hospital said in a statement.

"No one at the hospital has seen these notes, and so we cannot comment on the reports or their accuracy.

"However, we would reiterate that Jacintha was an outstanding nurse, doing her duty caring for sick patients.

"Following the hoax call, hospital management offered her their support and told her that they considered her the victim of a cruel hoax.

"They stood by her actions and made it clear there was no criticism of her and that there would be no disciplinary action of any kind."

The hospital added that it had been in regular contact with Saldanha's family since her death, "contrary to many inaccurate reports", and that staff had held a memorial service for the nurse on Friday.

Australian police said on Thursday death threats have been made against Michael Christian and Mel Greig, the DJs from Sydney's 2Day FM radio station who made the hoax call.

The presenters, who have been undergoing counselling, remain off air and have not been seen in public since making tearful apologies in a television interview on Monday.

2Day FM's parent company Southern Cross Austereo pledged on Tuesday to give at least $A500,000 to help Saldanha's grieving family.