Female doctors brawl in hospital

A grudge turned into an all-out brawl when a female doctor punched and struck a colleague in the head with a tray at one of Sydney's major hospitals. Pathologist Dr Ushma Samaraweera was sacked over the fight at Prince of Wales Hospital during which she called fellow doctor Sue Fredericks a "fucking bitch". The punch-up was detailed at the Australian Industrial Relations Commission where Dr Samaraweera alleged she was unfairly dismissed. She failed to win her job back.

Tensions between the two women had been simmering for more than a year over work loads and they were not on speaking terms when they bumped into each other in the pathology unit. Despite her 17cm height disadvantage, Dr Samaraweera used a "cricket bowl action" as she broke a document tray while trying to hit Dr Fredericks in the head, the commission heard.

Dr Samaraweera denied taking a run up. Dr Samaraweera also punched Dr Fredericks several times during the fight. The commission heard that there was an "initial bump", which was most likely accidental, but sparked the brawl. Commissioner Elizabeth Bishop said Dr Fredericks was struck in the arm when she tried to defend herself from being hit in the head with the tray.

Both women suffered bruising and cuts. Dr Samaraweera claimed Dr Fredericks started the fight and had thrown the punches. Ms Bishop accepted Dr Fredericks' version of the fight and said it was more likely that Dr Samaraweera had "snapped" in response to what she thought was a deliberate bump.