Joint Media Statement from the Otto Family and Waikato DHB

13 September 2007 (Electronic version attached)

In recent days the Waikato Times has printed stories about Kirsty Otto and her health treatment, and other patients who have received neurosurgical treatment.

The Otto family appreciates the reasons for the public interest in Kirsty's case and are grateful for the immense display of public support for Kirsty which has been of so much encouragement for her at a difficult time. The Ottos are however concerned at the current ongoing debate in the media which expressly and impliedly refers to and involves Kirsty and her family.

Kirsty is recovering from surgery and continuing to receive treatment from Waikato DHB.

Kirsty and her family now ask for privacy so they are able to focus on Kirsty's ongoing treatment and her surgical recovery away from the spotlight of the media.

The Ottos and Waikato DHB ask all media agencies to respect the Otto family's request for privacy and refrain from publishing any further stories that might expressly or impliedly refer to Kirsty and the treatment she has received.

ENDS

The Waikato DHB website is www.waikatodhb.govt.nz