Episode 16: Dear Dr Patel

Episode 16: Dear Dr Patel

From Sick to Death by The Australian

March 13, 2026 · 53 min · Season 1 · Episode 16

About this episode

Hedley Thomas investigates the case of Jayant Patel and its implications for Queensland Health.

As Hedley travels to the United States in hopes of a face-to-face interview with Jayant Patel, Geoff Davies delivers his findings to Premier Peter Beattie. The result is a multimillion-dollar cash injection into Queensland Health.  Plus, life goes on for patients treated by the incompetent surgeon and Hedley picks up the story for The Australian.  Two new episodes of Sick to Death will be available in the coming weeks. They include fresh interviews and careful analysis of how the criminal justice system dealt with Dr Patel and how it grappled with the extremely rare occurrence of of the prosecution of a surgeon for alleged criminal negligence. These events aren't detailed in Hedley Thomas' book Sick to Death.The next two episodes, however, will document some remarkable highs and lows in this saga as it wound its way through the courts.  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…

People in this episode

Host: Hedley Thomas

Topics covered

  • medical negligence
  • criminal justice
  • healthcare funding
  • patient stories
  • surgery
  • true crime

Keywords

  • Jayant Patel
  • Hedley Thomas
  • Queensland Health
  • medical negligence
  • true crime
  • surgery
  • Geoff Davies
  • criminal justice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Queensland Health, The Australian

Books & works: Sick to Death

Places: United States, Queensland

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