Surgeon pleads not guilty to manslaughter

Surgeon Jayant Patel has pleaded "not guilty" to charges he unlawfully killed three patients and caused grievous bodily harm to a fourth.

The Indian-born doctor stood in the prisoner's dock of Court 15 at Brisbane Supreme Court this morning to face manslaughter charges.

When asked by Justice John Byrne how he pleaded to each of the charges, Dr Patel replied: "Not guilty, your honour".

The selection of 12 jurors and three reserve jurors from a pool of 350 potential jurors has now begun.

Earlier, the surgeon arrived at court wearing a dark suit, white shirt and blue tie.

Dr Patel avoided questions from the waiting media, quickly walking into the court with his barrister, Michael Byrne QC, and his wife, Kishoree.

The surgeon's legal team were swamped by camera operators and photographers.

A large number of office workers gathered along George Street, with many taking photos of the media scrum.

Dozens of spectators have also entered the courthouse to watch proceedings from Court 15.

Another court room has been set up to cater for expected crowds wanting access to the trial, which was due to begin at 10.30am Queensland time.

A live video will be broadcast to Bundaberg Courthouse allowing locals to watch proceedings.

The selection of 12 jurors and three reserves from a pool of 350 people will take place before Justice Byrne outlines the jury's role in the trial, tipped to last up to 10 weeks.

Dr Patel, 59, is charged with the manslaughter of three Bundaberg Hospital patients Mervyn John Morris, James Edward Phillips and Gerardus Kemps.

He is also charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a fourth patient, Ian Vowles.

The charges relate to Dr Patel's time at the hospital between 2003 and 2005.

The trial may include evidence from up 90 witnesses.

- © Fairfax NZ News