Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast Why did two Australian hospitals cancel Gaza-related speaking events?
Oct 20, 2025
In a compelling discussion, Professor Fiona Stanley, a distinguished epidemiologist and former Australian of the Year, delves into the controversy surrounding cancelled hospital events on children and war. She expresses dismay over the cancellations, emphasizing the need for healthcare professionals to engage with issues affecting children in conflict zones. Fiona highlights the impact of political pressure on hospitals, the importance of these conversations for medical advocacy, and how such discussions can shape responses to humanitarian crises.
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Grand Rounds Presentation Pulled Last Minute
- Dr Mo Mustapha was invited to give Grand Rounds after a well-received public talk about Gaza. Ten minutes before his scheduled presentation, the hospital pulled the session and turned it into a cancelled event.
Staff Distress Cited To Justify Cancellations
- Hospital staff concerns about divisiveness were cited as the reason for cancelling Gaza-related talks. Fiona Stanley finds this inconsistent with routine exposure to daily hospital trauma and believes the cancellations suppress necessary medical discourse.
Talk Moved Outdoors After Hospital Ban
- After the hospital cancelled the Grand Rounds, the presenters held their talk outside by the lake. The session still reached colleagues despite being moved offsite.