The Queen's Counsel representing victims of botched surgeries in Wanganui Hospital says legal proceedings will continue despite the imminent departure of the Whanganui District Health Board chief executive.
Memo Musa resigned yesterday, saying it was "time to move on".
Mr Musa had come under increasing criticism after a
series of failed sterilisations carried out at the hospital by disgraced Czech-trained surgeon Roman Hasil.
Last month, a critical report by the Health and Disability Commissioner found eight of 32 sterilisations Dr Hasil performed in 2005 and 2006 failed, and six women subsequently became pregnant.
Most had abortions, the report said.
John Rowan, QC, counsel for the women involved in Dr Hasil's botched operations, said yesterday Mr Musa's resignation did not change the plan to take legal proceedings.
"At least someone has taken responsibility," he said.
The number of women who were victims of Dr Hasil's surgeries was a "growing group", and included women who had operations other than sterilisations.
Mr Rowan said the legal action, the nature of which was yet to be determined, was about more than money.
An apology for the women was important, as was counselling and ensuring nothing similar happened again.
He said he wanted to know if Mr Musa knew of hospital staff concerns about Dr Hasil and if he did not, then who did and why nothing was done about it.
Other people at the DHB had a "direct responsibility" for letting Dr Hasil continue to operate, Mr Rowan said.
The Maori Party MP for Te Tai Hauauru, Tariana Turia, said Mr Musa had done the right thing in resigning.
"There have been too many issues creating the perception of a hospital in crisis, and something had to change in order to maintain public confidence.
"I respect Memo Musa's decision and I have no doubt that his next employer will benefit from the skills and experience he has to offer," Mrs Turia said.
Mr Musa, who has been in the position seven years, will stay in the job until July 31.
- NZPA
