Lawyers representing more than 150 patients of form Bundaberg-based doctor Jayant Patel yesterday announced the first settlement for compensation under the Queensland Government’s Special Compensation process.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justic Linda Lavarch said the first settlement was reached at a meeting between a former patient’s legal team and government representatives early yesterday afternoon.

A settlement with a second former patient was reached later in the afternoon.

Settlement conferences have been scheduled for another three claims for later this week, with many more expected to be set down over the coming weeks,” Mrs Lavarch said.

Ian Brown, partner with Carter Capner Lawyers, who is also the solicitor for the Bundaberg Hospital Patients Support Group, said the terms of settlement remained confidential.

I can, however, say that the claimant is very pleased with the outcome and is relieved that the compensation process has been finalised,” Mr Brown said.

To date, there are more than 200 initial claims in relation to the treatment provided by Dr Patel.

The Special Process is part of the government’s response to the unique circumstances surrounding Bundaberg Base Hospital.