Episode 11: The Breaking Point
2/26/20261 hr 5 min
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
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsKatie Page0:00
I'm Katie Page, CEO of Harvey Norman. Since 2018, Harvey Norman has been a key partner in The Australian's investigative podcasts, such as Sick to Death, Bronwyn, Shandi's Story, The Teacher's Pet, and The Night Driver. Harvey Norman are proud sponsors of The Australian's podcast investigations and their award-winning journalism.
Hedley Thomas· Host0:21
[gentle music] My name is Hedley Thomas. Sick to Death is based on my book of the same name, and it's the true story of Dr. Jayant Patel's lies and manipulation, and the Herculean effort it took to finally stop him. We've used voice actors throughout this series, and on occasion, the real people from the story have read their words for us. It is brought to you by me and The Australian. [gentle music] Chapter 50, Shock. 13 April 2005. The scandalous revelations were irrefutable. As hard evidence poured in from Bundaberg, Oregon, and New York, the authorities in Queensland had nowhere to hide. They had no excuses. How could even the most brazen spin doctors have attempted to justify employing Jayant Patel for two