THE nurse involved in the tragedy has returned to work after being suspended.

Tracy Davies, medical risk manager at the RBH, said that the nurse is now working shorter days, to prevent her becoming tired, and is being supervised and given extra support by the hospital.

Her eyesight difficulties are also being closely monitored, ther inquest was told.

Mrs Davies said: "It was a tragic mistake, a human error. It was one of those unpredictable events -- a terrible mistake."

The hospital denied the staff nurse had been effected by alcohol -- insisting that she had gone to bed early on New Year's Eve.

Mr Cotter said: "It has been known in the medical profession to deliberately take life. Did the nurse co-operate with the inquiry?"

Mrs Davies replied that she had been very open and honest and has co-operated fully throughout. There was no question of criminal intent she said.