Episode 11: The Breaking Point
From Sick to Death by The Australian
February 26, 2026 · 1h 5m · Season 1 · Episode 11
About this episode
The episode discusses the fallout from Dr Jayant Patel's past and the resulting crisis at Bundaberg Hospital.
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 sicktodeath@theaustralian.com.au 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.
People in this episode
Host: Hedley Thomas
Topics covered
- medical malpractice
- public outrage
- political accountability
- healthcare crisis
- media influence
Keywords
- Dr Jayant Patel
- Bundaberg Hospital
- Premier Peter Beattie
- media storm
- healthcare scandal
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Bundaberg Hospital
More episodes of Sick to Death
- Bonus Episode 5: The Last Word · April 16, 2026 · 1h 3m
- Bonus Episode 4: The Waiting Game · April 9, 2026 · 1h 10m
- Episode 14: Payback · March 13, 2026 · 54 min
- Episode 15: The Collapse · March 13, 2026 · 59 min
- Episode 16: Dear Dr Patel · March 13, 2026 · 53 min
- From The Front: How we made the smash-hit Sick to Death podcast · March 13, 2026 · 21 min
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