21 December 2000

Bradford welcomes Parry penalties but more issues remain

Green MP Sue Bradford today welcomed news that Northland gynaecologist had been struck off the medical register and fined for negligent treatment of Colleen Poutsma but said issues of compensation now needed to be addressed.

"I am pleased with the weight of this penalty but it is just one issue among many which still need to be resolved," said Ms Bradford.

"I believe Colleen Poutsma should now be offered compensation and the public should not forget the struggle of at least 50 other Northland women who are very concerned about the care they received from Mr Parry."

Ms Bradford said there was now a clear need for a full and independent inquiry into Mr Parry's care of Northland women and for these women to qualify for legal aid so they can be properly represented at the Complaints Assessment Committee of the Medical Council.

"To the best of my knowledge there are at least 18 claims which have been made to ACC in relation to medical incidents involving Mr Parry, 12 complaints to the Health and Disabilities Commissioner and between 30 - 40 complaints to the Medical Council," said Ms Bradford.

"While I am pleased to see Mr Parry struck off the register and heavily fined, the problems associated with his care of a number of Northland women need to be thoroughly worked through by an independent body."

Sue Bradford MP: 09 423 8667, 025 243 4239 Jonathan Hill (press secretary): 04 470 6719, 021 440 090

© Scoop Media