Sick to Death

A simple Google search detonates a statewide crisis as Dr Jayant Patel’s past is laid bare. The resulting media storm unleashes public fury, an outpouring of grief from patients and families, and vindication for Bundaberg Hospital's nurses.
With political pressure growing, Premier Peter Beattie finally bows to pressure, apologises, and announces a full commission into how Dr Patel came to be hired at Bundaberg Hospital.
Do you know more? Contact Hedley Thomas and the team at [email protected]
Subscribers hear new episodes of Sick to Death first. Listen at sicktodeathpodcast.com, in The Australian’s app or search for “Sick to Death” on Apple Podcasts to connect your subscription.
Plus, get exclusive access to photos, videos, timelines, and more at the website.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You know, he didn’t become a bad surgeon overnight.”
This off-handed comment by a Bundaberg nurse prompts Hedley Thomas to start looking into Dr Patel’s history. A Google search uncovers the incredible truth.
The Courier Mail must race to break a story with enormous ramifications for patients, doctors, and the secretive Queensland health system.
Do you know more? Contact Hedley Thomas and the team at [email protected]
Subscribers hear new episodes of Sick to Death first. Listen at sicktodeathpodcast.com, in The Australian’s app or search for “Sick to Death” on Apple Podcasts to connect your subscription.
Plus, get exclusive access to photos, videos, timelines, and more at the website.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nurse Toni Hoffman risks a clandestine meeting with Hedley Thomas, as hospital administrators continue their hunt for the person leaking stories.
Meanwhile, the Minister and Director‑General fly into Bundaberg to scold staff and shelve the report into Doctor Patel.
But the cover‑up begins to tear as more stories about Australia’s own ‘Dr Death’ start to emerge.
Do you know more? Contact Hedley Thomas and the team at [email protected]
Subscribers hear new episodes of Sick to Death first. Listen at sicktodeathpodcast.com, in The Australian’s app or search for “Sick to Death” on Apple Podcasts to connect your subscription.
Plus, get exclusive access to photos, videos, timelines, and more at the website.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Patel books a ticket to flee overseas as the story of Queensland’s own ‘Dr Death’ gains traction in the media.
Meanwhile, at Bundaberg Base Hospital, management still refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing. Instead, the nurses feel like they’re in the firing line as staff are rebuked for the leaks.
But then a late‑night search by Dr Keating shows that perhaps there might be more to Dr Patel than management ever expected.
Do you know more? Contact Hedley Thomas and the team at [email protected]
Subscribers hear new episodes of Sick to Death first. Listen at sicktodeathpodcast.com, in The Australian’s app or search for “Sick to Death” on Apple Podcasts to connect your subscription.
Plus, get exclusive access to photos, videos, timelines, and more at the website.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defeated by the bureaucracy of public health, veteran ICU nurse Toni Hoffman drives through a storm to blow the whistle on Jayant Patel. Politician Rob Messenger takes up the fight in the Queensland parliament.
With the first shots publicly fired, the media starts to take notice. Will it be enough to keep the reckless Dr Jayant Patel out of the operating theatre?
Do you know more? Contact Hedley Thomas and the team at [email protected]
Subscribers hear new episodes of Sick to Death first. Listen at sicktodeathpodcast.com, in The Australian’s app or search for “Sick to Death” on Apple Podcasts to connect your subscription.
Plus, get exclusive access to photos, videos, timelines, and more at the website.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.