Rivkin health woes appear to worsen: [1 All-round Country Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 26 Jan 2004: 3.
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Abstract
A spokesman for St Vincent’s said she could neither confirm nor deny Mr [Rene Rivkin]’s presence at the emergency department. Attempts to contact Mr Rivkin and his family were unsuccessful.
Following concerns about Mr Rivkin’s high-profile case, the DPP ordered an independent medical examination, the results of which have now been seen by Corrective Services officials. A decision on whether Mr Rivkin must serve his prison sentence was expected last week.
Full Text
THE medical difficulties of colourful Sydney businessman Rene Rivkin appeared to escalate over the weekend with his appearance at the emergency department of St Vincent’s Hospital in central Sydney.
Rivkin was spotted in the emergency department about 1pm yesterday and remained there much of the afternoon.
“The nurse was attending with a blood pressure thing around the arm,” said a patient who spotted the former stockbroker. “His wife was teary and concerned. They took him inside to one of the beds in emergency.”
The latest concerns over Mr Rivkin’s health come as the NSW Corrective Services Department and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions consider Mr Rivkin’s options.
He was sentenced to nine months’ periodic detention after being convicted last April of insider trading.
Mr Rivkin spent one day behind bars before collapsing and has since undergone surgery for a brain tumour. He has supplied medical certificates excusing him from serving his sentence at least until next month.
Following concerns about Mr Rivkin’s high-profile case, the DPP ordered an independent medical examination, the results of which have now been seen by Corrective Services officials. A decision on whether Mr Rivkin must serve his prison sentence was expected last week.
The patient who saw Mr Rivkin at St Vincent’s Hospital yesterday said he was in the emergency department for three hours and had looked lethargic and unwell.
He said Mr Rivkin had to sit down outside the hospital and wait for his wife to bring the car to pick him up.
“He looked really tired and had a slight limp,” the patient said. “He did not look well.”
A spokesman for St Vincent’s said she could neither confirm nor deny Mr Rivkin’s presence at the emergency department. Attempts to contact Mr Rivkin and his family were unsuccessful.