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Once Upon A Time

Series 2, Episode 15 The Queen Is Dead 23 May 13 00:41:02

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Patients injured in surgery offered to quiz doctor

Published: 6:03AM Tuesday February 26, 2013 Source: Fairfax

  • Blenheim surgeon Michael Parry. (Source: Fairfax)
    Blenheim surgeon Michael Parry. - Source: Fairfax

Patients who suffered serious complications after surgery by Blenheim surgeon Michael Parry will get the opportunity to question him.

Family members of two patients who died at Wairau Hospital have also been asked if they have any questions to put to Parry during the police interview.

The Zimbabwean-born doctor is at the centre of a criminal investigation that was launched in December, forcing a coroner's inquiry into two deaths to be put on hold.

Rachel Riddell, 31, died in January 2011 of significant blood loss after having her gallbladder removed by Parry.

Jim Nicholls, 81, also died of massive blood loss after surgery last May to remove a hernia and his gallbladder.

Parry was stood down the same month on full pay.

At least two further operations have also come under the police microscope.

Picton mother Angie Webber, 26, said she was "lucky to be alive" after going to Wairau Hospital to have her gallbladder removed in December 2010. A 36-year-old Upper Hutt woman also suffered complications during surgery to remove her gallbladder in February 2011.

Both were sent to Christchurch Hospital for follow-up care.

The pair's spokeswoman, Adrien Pitcon-Mason, told Fairfax the women were relieved the police investigation was progressing. Being given the opportunity to ask questions would help with the "healing process".

It is understood police will speak to Parry next week.

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