Specialised tests on samples taken from the body of a man exhumed five weeks ago after gardaí began investigating the activities of a nurse at Naas General Hospital, are now being carried out in another European forensic laboratory.
Confirmation of the move came yesterday when the coroner for Kildare, Prof Denis Cusack, issued a statement on the forensic investigation into the death of Mr John Gethings (77) whose body was exhumed from a grave in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, in July.
He had died at Naas hospital in March and his death came under scrutiny after staff at the hospital made allegations about the manner in which a nurse there was administering medication to patients. The nurse was subsequently suspended.
Prof Cusack said the investigation into Mr Gethings death was still ongoing.
"Further specialised tests are required and are being carried out by arrangement with another European Forensic Laboratory. The results of the forensic toxicology tests are not expected for a number of weeks," he said.
"Whether or not further investigations will be carried out in this or other cases, or inquests held, can only be decided when these forensic results are available and considered with all other relevant information," he added. He would not disclose the location of the European laboratory.
The death of Mr Gethings and another patient who died at Naas hospital are being investigated by Prof Cusack who said that based on the information provided to him he was of the opinion they may have occurred "in an unnatural manner".