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NSW 'flu death' doctor scrutinised

A Sydney doctor who misdiagnosed a dying man with the flu could be investigated by NSW health authorities.

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Source: AAP


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Health authorities will determine whether a Sydney doctor is fit to practice after a coroner recommended he be investigated over the death of a patient.

Deputy State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan on Monday told Glebe Coroners Court she believed it was "desirable" for Dr Bhikhubhai Patel to be investigated by the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission.

Dr Patel allegedly told Samuel Seeto, who was dying of heart disease, he had the flu in late 2015.

The 29-year-old computer analyst was found dead in his bed at his Forestville home the next day.

Ms O'Sullivan said expert medical evidence during the inquest "supports the finding Dr Patel's consultation with Samuel was significantly inadequate and had the appropriate investigations been undertaken around the time of the consultation, it is more likely than not that Samuel would have survived".

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The court heard Dr Patel was told by Mr Seeto he had fainted the previous day but did not ask the patient any questions about it.

In a statement following the coroner's findings, Mr Seeto's father, Lawrence, said the family greatly missed Samuel "and wish he was still here with us today".


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