A widow and her two children have been awarded a $207,390 lump sum after her husband died from epilepsy aggravated by his extreme work hours. Dr Peter Nettelbeck, 28, was working at the Latrobe Hospital in Traralgon when he was found dead in a bed after working regular long hours and being on call during the night.
Dr Nettelbeck worked from 4.30pm on December 3, 2004, to 12.30am on December 4. He was then on call until 8am. He had done the same shift, including being on call, for the previous 12 days. He had been called in five times. The Medical Panel examining the case found that his work roster contributed to sleep deprivation and irritability, which aggravated his epilepsy, causing his death.
The family’s lawyer said the payout ‘establishes that fatigue is a risk factor for triggering epilepsy, which caused the death in our case.’ She added that they hoped his death would be the last ‘as a result of fatigue in the medical profession.
