Podcast Summary
Sick to Death – Episode 16: Dear Dr Patel
Host: Hedley Thomas (for The Australian)
Date: March 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This gripping episode, “Dear Dr Patel,” brings the Sick to Death series to a crescendo, chronicling the fallout from the Bundaberg Hospital scandal, where Dr. Jayant Patel—a surgeon banned in the US—was hired in Queensland, leading to scores of preventable deaths and injuries. Investigative journalist Hedley Thomas reflects on the immense efforts behind uncovering Patel’s actions, the systemic failures that enabled him, and the lasting effects on Queensland’s health system and political landscape. The episode weaves together personal stories, inquiry findings, behind-the-scenes political machinations, and the ongoing international manhunt for Patel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Chain of Events That Sparked a Revolution

• Chain of Coincidences: Hedley Thomas describes a fragile combination of coincidences and individual actions that, if interrupted, would have prevented the exposure of Patel’s crimes ([01:30]).
  • “If just one of those links had failed, there would have been no result. The links were independent of each other, yet essential to the final result.” — Hedley Thomas ([01:40])
• Individual Courage: Nurse Tony Hoffman’s initial complaints, the advocacy of politicians like Rob Messenger, and the tragedy of patients such as Elise Neville were all crucial in building the case.

2. The Political Earthquake

• Massive Healthcare Reforms: Following the scandal, Queensland implemented a mini-budget injecting $6.36 billion to overhaul the health system ([05:25]). This came with tax increases and was spun as a turning point for governance.
• Journalism’s Power: Revelations in The Courier Mail were the public catalyst, leading to two commissions of inquiry and urgent government interventions.

3. The Davies Inquiry Findings ([10:24] – [23:02])

• Secrecy and Concealment: The inquiry, led by Commissioner Jeff Davies, lambasted both current and previous governments for a “culture of secrecy,” deliberate cover-ups, and disregard for patient safety ([11:32]).
  • “It involved a blatant exercise of secreting information from public gaze for no reason other than that the disclosure...might be embarrassing to government.” — Inquiry report ([11:32])
• Failures in Oversight:
  • The Medical Board of Queensland failed to vet overseas-trained doctors, notably allowing Patel to practice unchecked ([14:25]).
  • Senior bureaucrats and hospital managers (Dr. Buckland, Dr. Keating, Peter Leck) were singled out for incompetence, concealment, and not acting on repeated complaints ([15:14] – [19:23]).
• Whistleblower Praise: Tony Hoffman was commended for “courage and persistence which, in the face of inaction and even resistance, brought the scandalous conduct of Dr. Patel to light” ([20:24]).
• Findings on Patel: Patel was deemed a “pathological liar” whose negligence caused at least 13 deaths; more were later attributed ([21:22]).

4. Aftermath and Community Impact ([23:02] – [36:00])

• Ongoing Legal Pursuits: The police and Director of Public Prosecutions prepared extradition cases against Patel, who had fled back to Oregon, USA.
• Stress and Division Among Victims: Patient advocate Beryl Crosby and whistleblower Tony Hoffman experienced burnout and divisions emerged among patient support groups about compensation and political motives.

5. The U.S. Hunt for Patel ([24:54] – [36:00])

• Journalistic Investigation in Oregon: Hedley Thomas follows Patel’s trail in Portland, speaks with former patients (notably John Dully, victim of a botched surgery), and encounters a “culture of secrecy” among American doctors too ([31:32], [34:21]).
  • "They did such a good job hiding all this. There’s a gag order on his lawsuit and they tried to sell it as a mistake. A terrible accident..." — Tracey Dully ([31:55])
• Barriers to Accountability: The Oregon Board of Medical Examiners was uncooperative; previous malpractice settlements had not been reported, delaying intervention ([32:58]).
• Attempted Confrontation: Thomas and fellow journalist Susan Goldsmith attempt to confront Patel at his luxury home, but he evades contact ([35:02]).

6. Political and Legal Drama – The Extradition Saga ([36:00] – [44:30])

• Betrayed Hopes and Secret Deals:
  • A potential deal for Patel’s voluntary return is later revealed to have been thwarted by political concerns, despite legal recommendations to accept ([41:30]).
  • Linda Lavarch (Attorney General) and Premier Peter Beattie are accused of misleading Parliament and the public ([43:36]).
  • "Time defeats proper outcomes. And once people's recollections are taxed, people who should be convicted are not convicted." — Richard Douglas, legal counsel ([43:19])
• Emotional Toll: Survivors and families express anger and grief at the slow progress, but also determination that justice will be served ([38:32], [39:48]).

7. Systemic Reforms and Legacy ([44:30] – end)

• Wide-ranging Health Reforms: The Queensland Health system undergoes dramatic change: creation of the Health Quality and Complaints Commission, more doctors and nurses, and greater transparency.
• Recognition for Whistleblowers:
  • Tony Hoffman receives the “Whistleblower of the Year” award; her persistence is credited with saving many lives ([47:50]).
  • Patel’s case becomes a symbol and catalyst for international debate on medical accountability.
• Reflections on Journalism:
  • Commissioner Davies commends Thomas’s critical role in exposing the scandal, reinforcing the importance of investigative journalism ([49:31]).
  • "His investigative skill, persistence and undoubted authority ensured public notice and government action was taken..." — Geoffrey Davies ([49:31])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The screw up is always in the cover up.” — Hedley Thomas ([02:38])
• “In my view, it is an irresistible conclusion that there is a history of a culture of concealment within and pertaining to Queensland health.” — Davies Inquiry ([14:07])
• “She (Tony Hoffman) might easily have doubted herself...instead...persistently and carefully documented the transgressions of Dr. Patel.” — Davies Inquiry ([20:24])
• “As a result of negligence on the part of Dr. Patel, 13 patients at the hospital died and many others suffered adverse outcomes.” — Inquiry report ([21:22])
• "If you're a sicko in this profession, you will be protected. Patel found the right profession and then he found the right specialty where there are a lot of complications.” — Susan Goldsmith ([34:21])
• “Of course they'll get him back. When the trial starts, I want to be in the front row. I will go every day.” — Judy Kemps ([38:32])
• "I hope that warning is heeded...problems concealed...this book is a salutary warning to present and future governments, to the bureaucracy and to the public." — Geoffrey Davies ([49:31])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:30] — The Chain of Coincidences: How the Patel scandal came to light.
• [05:25] — Political response: $6.36 billion in new health funds.
• [10:24] — The Davies Inquiry: Scope and findings.
• [11:32] — Direct quotes from the official inquiry report.
• [14:07] — Culture of concealment in Queensland Health.
• [20:24] — Tribute to Tony Hoffman’s whistleblowing.
• [23:02] — Legal recommendations for charges against Patel.
• [30:07] — Oregon Board of Medical Examiners’ evasiveness.
• [31:32] — Interview with John and Tracey Dully, American victims of Patel.
• [34:21] — U.S. journalist Susan Goldsmith on medical secrecy.
• [38:32] — Victim testimonies and skepticism about justice.
• [41:30] — The covert Patel extradition deal.
• [49:31] — Commissioner Davies commends Hedley Thomas & the episode’s legacy.

Tone & Language

• The speakers employ a tone that is investigative, emotional, and at times wry or ironic (notably in Thomas’s and his colleagues’ exchanges).
• There’s deep empathy for victims, pride in investigative perseverance, and recurring frustration with bureaucratic stonewalling.
• Direct quotations from inquiry findings add legal gravity and formality, while survivors' and whistleblowers' voices bring raw human emotion to the narrative.

Conclusion

Episode 16, “Dear Dr Patel,” synthesizes the mounting personal, political, and systemic crises unleashed by the Bundaberg Hospital scandal. Through painstaking investigation and the courage of individuals like Tony Hoffman and patient advocates, the extent of Patel’s misconduct and the failures of Queensland’s bureaucracy were exposed—prompting transformative reform. The episode ends with a sharp reminder of the ongoing pursuit of justice for Patel’s victims and the critical role of investigative journalism in exposing and remedying institutional failure. The story’s legacy speaks as a cautionary tale for healthcare systems everywhere.