Qld: Patel threated to quit over patient transfer: court

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2010
Qld: Patel threated to quit over patient transfer: court

A court's been told Dr JAYANT PATEL threatened to leave Bundaberg Base Hospital if
one of his patients was transferred to another hospital.

Dr CARL KENNEDY has told Brisbane's Supreme Court he recalled Dr PATEL getting angry
when hospital staff started making plans to send patient JAMES GRAVE to the Royal Brisbane
Hospital in June 2003.

The court's heard staff wanted to transfer Mr GRAVE because he was having difficulty
recovering after an oesophagectomy performed by PATEL.

Dr KENNEDY says it was a very complicated case which Bundaberg Hospital wouldn't normally
deal with.

PATEL is currently on trial for the manslughter of three patients and the grievous
bodily harm of another.

He's pleaded not guilty to the charges .. which relate to his time as director of surgery
at the hospital between 2003 and 2005.

AAP RTV cf/djb/sw

KEYWORD: PATEL (BRISBANE)

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