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 and friends. 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.
