Patel appeal hearing starts today

THE appeal hearing of former Bundaberg surgeon Jayant Patel is expected to start in Brisbane's Court of Appeal today.

Patel, 60, was sentenced to seven years in prison in July last year for the manslaughter of three patients and causing grievous bodily harm to a fourth.

The charges related to his time as director of surgery at the Bundaberg Hospital between 2003 and 2005.

The appeal hearing is expected to last for three days.

A counter-appeal has also been lodged by Queensland Attorney-General Cameron Dick.

Crown lawyers will argue that Patel's sentencing was too lenient and he should be declared a serious violent offender.

Former patient Doris Hiller will be attending the appeal after receiving confirmation from Queensland Health yesterday that it would refund her travel and accommodation while she observed.

“I have been there since day one and I want to see it through to the end,” she said.