\u201cWith respect, you\u2019re a Labor party person,\u201d David Penberthy told Mr Snelling on Friday, \u201cshouldn\u2019t your instinct be on the side of doing everything you can to protect the patients?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not about protecting specialists, it is about protecting patients,\u201d Mr Snelling said.<\/p>\n
While investigating two hospital deaths, both the chief and deputy coroners have suggested the level of transparency over hospital reviews is woefully inadequate.<\/p>\n
\u201cI completely disagree,\u201d Mr Snelling said. \u201cThe coroners have full access to all the information they need to conduct an enquiry.<\/p>\n
He denied there was a secrecy problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is not unusual for a doctor to called before the coroner\u2019s court and to be named and have to answer for the decision they\u2019ve made. There\u2019s no secrecy provision.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe law has been designed to protect patients. There are very good reasons why we have these provisions, and it is to protect patients to stop further tragedies from happening,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n