''Dr. Death''Jayant Patel jailed for seven years

Indian-origin surgeon "Dr. Death" Jayant Patel has been sentenced to seven years'' jail for the manslaughter of Mervyn Morris, Gerardus Kemps and James Phillips.

The Brisbane Supreme Court jury also found him guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to Ian Vowles.

The charges all relate to Patel's time as director of surgery at the Bundaberg Base Hospital between 2003 and 2005.

Meanwhile,Patel is on precautionary suicide watch,Seven News reports.

Supreme Court judge John Byrne began the sentencing hearing at 10 a.m. today, and announced his verdict a little after 3.30 p.m. (AEST).

Manslaughter carries a maximum jail sentence of life, and grievous bodily harm up to 14 years'' jail.

A Department of Corrective Services official confirmed Patel was under suicide watch, he emphasized it was not because of any actual threat