Serena Perry’s mother says she is “disgusted” a coroner’s inquest into her daughter’s death has been delayed.

Perry, 22, was a psychiatric patient at the Saint John Regional Hospital when she was found dead in the facility’s amphitheatre on Feb. 14, 2012.

According to hospital records, Perry was found on her back, with a bathrobe tied loosely around her neck.

A coroner’s inquest examining the circumstances surrounding her death was scheduled to begin March 17, but there are legal arguments in court over how many lawyers will be allowed to ask questions at the inquest.

“I’m disappointed. I’m disgusted with it,” says Rose Perry.

Last week, a judge ruled that lawyers for the hospital and for two doctors should be allowed to ask questions at the inquest - the first ruling of its kind in New Brunswick.

Kelly VanBuskirk, the lawyer for the province’s chief coroner, suggested Monday that the ruling would have far-reaching consequences.

“The lid has been taken off a Pandora’s Box and the coroner needs time to ensure the process is fair to all,” says VanBuskirk.

Security tapes the family received from the hospital late last year show Perry with two males. The family believes one of the males was with her when she went into the amphitheatre and they hope a coroner’s inquest will answer some of their questions.

But Rose Perry says it has been a long two years and she is getting tired of waiting.

“It sounds like it is going to take a long time. I thought it was going to be done and over with and find out what really happened in the hospital and why, why my daughter didn’t come home to me,” she says.

While last week’s ruling may delay the process, a lawyer for the Saint John Regional Hospital says allowing more lawyers and doctors to answer questions will make for a more thorough inquest.

“The family want answers, but the way to get answers is with a broader participatory, both for the family and their ability to ask questions and raise concerns, as well as our clients and the physicians,” says John Barry.

Court heard Monday that the Saint John Police Commission will be asking to take part in the inquest, along with the Perry family.

The judge described the Perry case as a sad, tragic affair and told the court he regretted the delay in the coroner’s inquest. The delay could last several months or even up to a year.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron