Former Medical Association chairman Dr Peter Foley has died following an illness.
The association said today it was saddened to learn of the death of Dr Foley, a Napier GP who was chairman for "an historic two terms from 2007 until 2011''.
Dr Foley was a GP, the Hawkes Bay District Health Board's chief of primary care and the deputy chairman of the Health Quality and Safety Commission.
Last year he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae made the presentation at Palmerston North Hospital in March, where Dr Foley had been a patient following treatment for lymphoma.
Dr Foley died at home on Monday, aged 58. He is survived by his wife and four children.