By MARTIN JOHNSTON
Jack Poutsma held the hand of his wife Colleen yesterday while he read her testimony against the doctor who admits inadequately treating her for cervical cancer.
Mrs Poutsma is being cared for in an Auckland hospice.
The Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal agreed to a special hearing at the hospice because it is feared the 47-year-old Bay of Islands woman might die before the full hearing next month, or be too ill to give evidence against Graham Parry, a Whangarei obstetrician-gynaecologist charged with disgraceful misconduct.
Mrs Poutsma's condition is said to have stabilised in the past few days after deteriorating rapidly in the previous fortnight.
She is heavily sedated for pain relief and her eyes drooped often during the 40-minute hearing, but she was able to answer questions from tribunal members and Dr Parry's lawyer, Christopher Hodson, QC.
Mrs Poutsma said that despite chemotherapy, during which the tumour shrank, its growth had resumed.
"I am angry with the treatment I received from Dr Parry. I cannot help but wonder how different things would have been had he undertaken a proper examination on August 22, 1997 and provided me with appropriate treatment and care.
"The pain and suffering throughout this time has been horrific ... My main concern is to protect other women and to prevent them from having to go through [the same experience]."
Dr Parry did not attend yesterday because a family member had died.
Through Mr Hodson, he admitted the facts on which he has been charged. They are that he:
Failed to carry out an adequate examination of Mrs Poutsma on August 22, 1997.
Performed an unnecessary cervical cone biopsy in January 1998.
Did not refer her to National Women's Hospital's oncology unit for further treatment until February 9, 1998, despite a pathology report confirming the diagnosis of invasive cancer about a month earlier.
Dr Parry denied that these facts amounted to disgraceful misconduct.
Mr Hodson told the hearing: "He sincerely and utterly regrets the position which you are now in and he tenders his apologies, regrets and sympathy to you and your family to the best of his ability."
Mr Poutsma said later that the apology was helpful but did not meet the recommendation of the Health and Disability Commissioner almost a year ago for a written one.
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