In the past 12 months alone, there have been at least three attempts at joining aspects of Primary and Symbion, while Healthscope continues to work its way grimly down the alphabet in an attempt to land the same assets, after the Tax Office foiled its latest, plan B, merger deal with Symbion. Allegations have flowed thick and fast between announcements and counter-announcements, with Dr Bateman accused of everything from bloody-mindedness to madness and the Symbion board challenged over its commitment to fiduciary duties.