Toni Hoffman
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Toni Ellen Hoffman is the nurse responsible for informing Queensland Politician Rob Messenger about Jayant Patel a surgeon who was the subject of the Morris Inquiry and later the Davies Inquiry.
She originally began to raise doubts about the ability of Patel with management and other staff. Some surgeons were also deeply concerned about his conduct. It was alleged that a number of patients who were not under Patel's care were being treated and even operated on when no procedure was necessary.
Australian Story aired on 27th of June 2005 details Hoffman's experiences and distress during the period of Patel's activities. The failure of her concerns to be investigated more thoroughly may have been the cause of a number of patient deaths. The lack of support and even deterrence from her colleagues make her actions all the more meritorious.
The fact that Patel worked extremely long hours and was performing a huge number of procedures was seen to be a good thing by hospital management, he was even awarded employee of the month at one point.
Hoffman faced ridicule for suggesting that his presence was not beneficial and was left little choice but to bring the matter into the public arena by approaching local MP Rob Messenger.
Messenger too was criticised for his stand until Courier Mail journalist Hedley Thomas did a Google search on Jayant Patel and found that he had faced disciplinary action for negligence in the United States
An essay by Roger Sandall is among a number of articles that examine events at Bundaberg Base Hospital. It presents a point of view that Patel is an extremely dangerous individual with a history of medical negligence.
Toni Hoffman received the 2006 Australian of the Year Local Hero Award.
