Dr Graham Sharpe, honoured today for his
contribution to anaesthesia, has been described by his peers as a
shining example to the medical profession.
The immediate past president of the New Zealand Society of
Anaesthetists, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of
Merit in the Queen's Birthday honours list.
Society president Dr Andrew Warmington said Dr Sharpe was "a
shining example to the profession of medicine", working with
obstetricians and midwives to deliver the best in patient care.
"Graham understands the value of team work and the importance of
good communication among his peers and with women and babies under
his care," he said.
"I hope this honour is, in some small way, recognition for all
the hours of out-of-hours and on-call work that go into delivering
good and compassionate patient care."
Dr Warmington said Dr Sharpe contributed extensively to the
practice of obstetric and paediatric anaesthesia in New Zealand for
more than 25 years.
He had been active in medico-legal reform, questioned publicly
the validity of homeopathic and other alternative treatments, and
supported the drive for quality and safe care.
Dr Sharpe continues to work at both Wellington Hospital and in
private practice.
NZPA