A NZ trained surgeon has died after being struck in a cowardly attack at a hospital in Melbourne
The family of a respected New Zealand-trained heart surgeon killed after an assault say they are devastated by the loss.
Police and Eastern Health confirmed on Wednesday that cardiothoracic surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann died overnight, nearly a month after he was attacked when he told someone to stop smoking at the entrance to a Melbourne hospital where he worked.
"Our family is devastated by Patrick's passing," his family's statement reads.
"During this difficult time we ask that we are given the space and privacy we need."
It's four weeks since the 41-year-old surgeon was hit in full view of CCTV at the entrance of Box Hill Hospital and rushed to the state's premier trauma centre at The Alfred hospital.
The cardio and thoracic surgeon graduated from the University of Otago in 2002 with a bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery, The Age reported.
Eastern Health said Mr Pritzwald-Stegmann says the father of twin girls was an admired member of the senior staff and will leave a lasting legacy as a "decent human being".
"Patrick was a passionate patient advocate, a generous teacher and had particular skill in thoracic surgery," chief executive David Plunkett says in a statement.
"His work was truly outstanding and his commitment and dedication will be sorely missed by his colleagues, friends and patients.
"Patrick not only leaves a lasting legacy as a surgeon but as a decent and genuine human being dedicated to the wellbeing of others."
Pritzwald-Stegmann also worked at several other hospitals in Melbourne including the Austin, the Northern, Warringal Private and Epworth Eastern.
He was a "fine father, husband and surgeon" whose contribution made for a better health system and community, Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy says.
"Our compassion and care is now with his loved ones and friends enduring this devastation and heartbreak," she said in a statement.
Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann (pictured with his twin daughters) has died four weeks after he was punched in the head outside a hospital for telling someone to stop smoking. Photo / Facebook
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons branded the alleged attack "obscene".
Police allege the surgeon was hit in the face and fell to the ground unconscious.
Mill Park man Joseph Esmaili (22) has been charged with intentionally and recklessly causing serious injury in relation to the incident and was remanded in custody in August.
The court was told Esmaili was withdrawing from a drug of dependence and had psychiatric illnesses. It is alleged he struck the surgeon in the head, causing him to fall, after he was asked to stop smoking near the entrance.
The investigation will remain in the control of the local crime investigation unit but will be overseen by the homicide squad, police say.
"Investigators will now await the results of a post-mortem before reviewing charges," police spokeswoman Natalie Savino said in a statement.
