Coroners Act In the matter of Coronial Findings and Recommendation into the Death of Ms Souzana Afianos pursuant to section 46B dated 1 January 2004
Tabled paper 1394
Tabled Papers for 9th Assembly 2001 - 2005; Tabled Papers; ParliamentNT
2004-06-25
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https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C1968A00063
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/284441
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/408388
is in fact the same reason proffered by his receptionist as to why she was able to recall details of her discussions with the Deceased. Dr Treacy in fact made a similar comment relating to his recall on a number of other occasions during the course of his evidence. I would have certainly expected him to recall any significant event which occurred in relation to the management of the D eceaseds condition consequent upon her subsequent tragic death. 65. Dr Treacy was extensively cross-examined on this point. Bearing in mind the duration of the call, bearing in mind that the Deceased had attended at Accident & Emergency in the early hours of the preceding morning, bearing in mind also that the Deceased was a person with some medical training and would therefore be better placed than the ordinary person to know what information was important for her doctor to know and to be able to succinctly provide that information, I expect that a call of that duration in such circumstances would have resulted in a considerable amount of information being passed. Despite Mr Lawrences powerfully put submissions on this issue, I find it difficult to accept Dr T reacy s claimed lack of recall of any greater detail than that outlined in paragraph 62. I think much more must have been said both by the Deceased and by Dr Treacy. Dr Treacy offered as an explanat ion the fact that he may have been in a public place when he took the call and therefore would have been re t icent to discuss much of a pa t ien ts private details for confidentiality reasons. That simply does not add up in the context of a telephone call of the duration specified and the circumstances specified. If, as I suspect, more was discussed, then I can only assume that it must have been material. However, that does not enable me to conclude that he was then aware o f issues which might have led to the death being avoided. Indeed, all the evidence is to the contrary. 66. In relation to his actions following notification of the cancellation of the appointment by the Deceased, Dr Treacy said that he was notified of the 27