Doctors give evidence on day two of George Diamond Coroner’s Court inquest into his tragic death

A doctor has disputed the length of time he took to clear a young Pearcedale boxer who had suffered a concussion to get back in the ring after the youngster died.

George Diamond, 18, died on February 21, 2019 after suffering at least one blow to the head while boxing at a gym.

A doctor giving evidence at the coroner’s court into the death of a young boxer says he would not have signed a medical clearance for the concussed teen to get back in the ring if he’d known the true extent of his condition

George Diamond, a keen amateur boxer from Pearcedale, died in February 2019 after collapsing in the car park of a Cranbourne West gym following a sparring session.

George had suffered a prior concussion back in October 2018 following a sparring session. He went to his local GP twice and Frankston Hospital, but was sent away and told to monitor his symptoms and return if they get worse. He was medically cleared by a GP to return to the ring on January 25, 2019.

On Wednesday, two of the doctors who provided care for George in the lead up to his death gave evidence to the coroner’s court

Frankston Hospital. Picture: Supplied

Dr Pejman Hajbabaie, the GP who signed the paperwork clearing George to get back in the ring disputed a claim from George’s father Vic that an October consultation only took five minutes, insisting he could not have conducted the consultation in just five minutes.

Questions were also raised about the paperwork Dr Hajbabaie signed that cleared George to box again in January.

Dr Hajbabaie said he understood that the clearance paperwork was only for approving blood work, adding, “It is not a document I see all the time.” He went on to say that if he had known more, “I wouldn’t have signed it and told George that he needs more assessment”.

Dr Yigal Rueben was next to the witness box, with much of the discussion centring around his decision not to send George for a CT scan.

Dr Rueben said he remembered George and his father visiting the hospital well and had given a lot of thought over the years about the appointment.

“I specifically remember the appointment … It’s not often a patient I see tragically dies.”

He also acknowledged Vic had asked him for a CT scan for his son.

“I took all of (Vic’s) concerns seriously. He was a father advocating for his son and I certainly took that on board,” Dr Rueben said.

Regardless, Dr Rueben was adamant he had made the right decision in not sending George for a scan.

The second day of the coroners court inquest into the tragic death of George Diamond took place on Wednesday Picture: Steve Tanner

“(There was) nothing to indicate George had worsening symptoms. He was walking, he was talking, I had no immediate concerns,” Dr Rueben said.

“My advice was he should absolutely not return to sport until he is medically cleared. I used my experience and my training to make my conclusions,” Dr Rueben continued.

On Tuesday, George’s father, Vic Diamond, broke down in tears while giving his testimony on the first day of the inquiry.

The inquest continues this afternoon with more evidence from expert Dr Marine Walker and will continue into tomorrow when a panel of experts will give evidence.