A well respected surgeon in Northland has passed away.
A well respected surgeon in Northland has passed away.
A Northland surgeon who was last year the first New Zealander to be honoured with an award for outstanding community service by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons has died aged 70.
Peter Britton Milsom passed away peacefully at his home in Pakaraka on February 25 surrounded by family andfriends. Colleagues have paid tribute to a hugely respected, but humble, surgeon whose dedication to his patients went well beyond the call of duty.
Nick Chamberlain, Northland District Health Board chief executive, said throughout his time as a surgeon Mr Milsom had displayed a deep sense of dedication to the public, especially Northland's many poor and Maori residents.
"He remembered their names, their families and whanau and was accepted as a valued member of their community. At times his work demands were huge and he worked many hours, well beyond the call of duty. Peter was a hugely respected and humble man with a passion for family, medicine, music and his incredible garden," Dr Chamberlain said.
Last year, along with Jerry Gathercole, Mr Milsom was honoured at the inaugural Northland Health Sector Awards with an award for outstanding service to the community from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
This award is given in recognition of long-term dedication and commitment to serving the community through the provision of quality surgical services. It was the first time New Zealanders had received the award.
Mr Milsom gained his medical degree at Otago University and trained in general surgery in Auckland. He was awarded his FRACS (Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) in 1972. In 1973-74 he joined the New Zealand surgical team based at Qui Nhon during the Vietnam War.
His commitment to the health of Northlanders began in the 1970s, initially as a GP in Moerewa.
