The Australian dives back into the Dr Death nightmare

The Australian has launched Sick to Death, a new long-form investigative podcast from multi-award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas, revisiting the Bundaberg Base Hospital scandal that gripped Queensland two decades ago.

The series, adapted from Thomas’ book of the same name, examines the case of surgeon Jayant “Dr Death” Patel, who was accused of causing patient harm while working at the regional hospital.

The podcast asks a central question that remains relevant for audiences today: how did systemic failings allow such a crisis to unfold?

Across sixteen episodes, Sick to Death features nearly two hundred characters brought to life through voice-acting and documentary-style production.

It draws on exclusive interviews, archival material and new reporting, including Patel speaking publicly for the first time in decades via video and news stories published at sicktodeathpodcast.com.

Michelle Gunn, editor-in-chief of The Australian, said the project blends long-form journalism with first-person accounts and “world-class audio storytelling”. “Sick to Death will give listeners a glimpse into a dark chapter in Australian healthcare,” Gunn said.

Supported by Harvey Norman, the podcast includes contributions from nurse Toni Hoffman and former MP Rob Messenger, who were instrumental in bringing concerns about Patel to light. Thomas narrates the series, describing the events as “a once-in-a-lifetime scandal” that exposed political cover-ups, bureaucratic failures and the vulnerability of patients in an overstretched public health system.

“Many of the factors which led to the travesty still remain today,” Thomas said. “ Hearing the sweeping saga of two decades ago, in audio for the first time, will be chilling for some – but it can also help keep patients safe now.”

Hedley Thomas

Subscribers of The Australian will receive early access to each episode through the publication’s app and website, as well as via Apple Podcasts through new subscription linking. After a two-week exclusive window, episodes will roll out across major platforms.

The launch also highlights The Australian’s expanded Apple Podcasts connected subscriptions, allowing eligible digital subscribers to unlock exclusive content across both platforms. Harvey Norman continues its support of Thomas’ investigative series, following previous partnerships on Bronwyn, Shandee’s Story, The Night Driver and The Teacher’s Pet.

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