Sydney

Disgraced former obstetrician and gynaecologist specialist doctor Graeme Stephen REEVES has been indicted for manslaughter after allegedly misdiagnosing a new mother, who later died from an infection.

The 65-year-old, who has previously been jailed for inflicting grievous bodily harm on patients and sexual assault, will apply for taxpayers to fund his defence through Legal Aid, again.

REEVES faces a manslaughter charge over the death of the late Mrs Kerry Ann McAllister, who was his patient when she gave birth to her son at The Hills Private Hospital (now known as Baulkham Hills Private Hospital), Baulkham Hills, an outer north-western suburb of Sydney, in 1996.

A Coroner’s Inquest heard Mrs McAllister died from septicaemia less than a week after the birth.  The septicaemia stemmed from an untreated post-partum bacterial infection.  Despite a rising temperature, it is alleged REEVES believed Mrs McAllister only had a virus.  Mrs McAllister was soon critically ill and was transferred to Westmead Hospital where she died despite efforts to save her with antibiotic treatment.

A representative from the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions said they would be ready to set a trial date at the next court appearance on 5 June 2015.