Episode 12: Bring Him Back
From Sick to Death by The Australian
March 5, 2026 · 1h 5m · Season 1 · Episode 12
About this episode
The episode discusses the inquiry into Bundaberg Hospital and Dr Jayant Patel, highlighting the cultural issues within Queensland Health and the government's response to public outrage.
The inquiry into Bundaberg Hospital and Dr Jayant Patel tears open Queensland Health’s culture. Buried reports are resurfaced in televised hearings, hospital staff are summoned without notice, and the government is put under pressure. As public fury intensifies, premier Peter Beattie urges Patel to return to Australia and answer for his actions. 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
- healthcare inquiry
- hospital culture
- public accountability
- government pressure
- medical malpractice
Keywords
- Bundaberg Hospital
- Dr Jayant Patel
- Queensland Health
- Peter Beattie
- medical inquiry
- hospital staff
- public fury
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Queensland Health
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
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Sick to Death podcast page.