BREAKING: The Australian has just launched a gripping new podcast series titled Sick to Death, revisiting the notorious Bundaberg Base Hospital scandal involving surgeon Jayant “Dr. Death” Patel. This urgent investigative podcast, crafted by multi-award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas, dives deep into the systemic failures that allowed patient harm to occur over two decades ago, raising critical questions that are still relevant today.
The series, adapted from Thomas’ acclaimed book, features sixteen episodes and nearly 200 characters brought to life through exceptional voice-acting and documentary-style production. Exclusive interviews, archival footage, and new reporting—including Patel speaking publicly for the first time in decades—are available at sicktodeathpodcast.com.
Michelle Gunn, editor-in-chief of The Australian, expressed her excitement about the project, stating it combines long-form journalism with compelling first-person narratives and “world-class audio storytelling.” Gunn emphasized that Sick to Death offers listeners unprecedented access to a dark chapter in Australian healthcare.
Thomas describes this scandal as a “once-in-a-lifetime” event that unveiled political cover-ups and bureaucratic failures within an overstretched public health system. He warned, “Many of the factors which led to the travesty still remain today.” The podcast aims to not only recount the chilling saga but also serve as a crucial reminder to ensure patient safety moving forward.
Listeners who subscribe to The Australian will gain early access to each episode through the publication’s app and website, as well as on Apple Podcasts via new subscription linking. Following an exclusive two-week rollout, the episodes will be available on all major platforms.
The launch of Sick to Death is bolstered by support from Harvey Norman, continuing its partnership with Thomas after previous successful projects like Bronwyn, Shandee’s Story, The Night Driver, and The Teacher’s Pet. The series highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in healthcare systems, making it a must-listen for anyone concerned about patient safety today.
Stay tuned for further developments as Sick to Death unfolds. The gripping revelations and emotional narratives within this podcast are set to resonate deeply, making it a significant addition to the ongoing discourse surrounding healthcare reform.
