Lawyer wants bungling surgeon unmasked

A leading criminal lawyer believes the public should know the name of the bungling surgeon who is fighting for permanent name suppression after being found guilty of professional misconduct.

The former South Island surgeon was found guilty last month of professional misconduct by the Health Practitioners' Disciplinary Tribunal after he bungled three operations and left one person dead.

He is now working in Auckland under supervision.

Criminal lawyer Marie Dyhrberg says people have a right to know who the surgeon is. She says members of the public should be able to make informed decisions about people in professional positions.

Marie Dyhrberg says the case is being closely watched as it could set a precedent.

- NEWSTALK ZB