Qld: Govt rules out help for Patel patients to attend court

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2008
Qld: Govt rules out help for Patel patients to attend court

The Queensland government has ruled out financial assistance to former patients of
Dr JAYANT PATEL .. who want to travel to Brisbane for his court proceedings.

PATEL faces 14 charges .. including three of manslaughter .. from his time as a surgeon
at the Bundaberg Base Hospital in the state's south-east.

The Bundaberg Burnett Patient Support Group has asked the government to pay the travel
and accommodation costs for two former patients to attend future proceedings.

Premier ANNA BLIGH's today ruled out assistance for patients who aren't witnesses in the case.

However Ms BLIGH says they will be offered personal assistance by a dedicated court
support officer .. who's been designated to work with all of the former patients who have
an interest in the case.

AAP RTV gd/stg/af/wz

KEYWORD: PATEL (BRISBANE)

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