The results of toxicology tests carried out on the body of a man exhumed from a grave in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, in July are now not expected for a few more weeks, it emerged yesterday.
The tests were carried out as part of a Garda investigation into the activities of a nurse who worked at Naas General Hospital for up to six months before she was suspended this summer. Colleagues made allegations about the manner in which she was administering drugs to patients.
Mr John Gethings (77), from Baltinglass, was a patient at the hospital and died there on March 1st. It is hoped tests on his exhumed remains will show how much medication was in his system at the time of his death.
They will also determine whether the body of another patient who died at the hospital should also be exhumed.
The coroner for Kildare, Prof Denis Cusack, is investigating the two deaths, which, he said, based on information provided to him, "may have occurred in an unnatural manner". He is expected to issue a statement today on the progress of the investigation.
The nurse at the centre of the allegations, which are also the subject of an independent investigation ordered by the South Western Area Health Board which runs Naas hospital, is understood to deny all claims made against her.
Last night Mr Gethings's son, Thomas, said he hoped the results of the forensic tests would be available soon.