Bay Harbour: October 14, 2020

PAGE 20 Wednesday October 14 2020
BAY HARBOUR
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
News
Tributes flow after doctor’s sudden death
RESPECTED: Christchurch haematologist Dr Mark Smith
died suddenly on September 24.
• By Chris Barclay
​CHRISTCHURCH’S medical
community is in mourning
alongside scores of former and
current patients cared for by
leading haematologist Dr Mark
Smith.
The 58-year-old, who died
suddenly from a medical event,
was farewelled on October 2,
though the tributes continue
to flow for the influential
haematology consultant at the
Canterbury District Health
Board.
Kim Shields Tupou
encapsulated the depth of
gratitude felt among families
touched by Smith’s empathy and
professionalism in a message she
wrote to him online.
“My father Joseph has been a
patient of yours since his initial
diagnoses of multiple myeloma
12 years ago. You have guided,
supported, been kind and
compassionate and used your
vast knowledge and expertise in
your treatment and management
of dad.
“When we were first told of his
prognosis, we were completely
devastated and we did not think
for one minute that we would be
blessed enough for him to beat so
many odds, have periods of being
well and for him to be still with
us 12 years later.
“In this time, because of you
and the wonderful staff that
support you, our family has had
so much fun, we have laughed,
travelled, cried, loved and made
so many beautiful memories to
treasure. I want to thank you for
making these blessings possible.”
Lisa Webber also wrote from
a patient’s perspective when she
added: “I feel so privileged to
have been Mark’s patient for over
a 10 year time span.
“He helped me significantly
during the identification of an
unexpected blood disorder, and
guided me safely throughout
three precious pregnancies, and
post natal recovery time.
“At all times, Mark was always
open, kind, accessible and
compassionate. I will always be
so grateful for his care, guidance
and patience.”
Smith, who died on September
24, started his haematology
training in Christchurch in 1991
with a particular interest in
bleeding and clotting.
He qualified as a specialist
in 1995 and soon after he was
appointed to his first consultant
post at and Guy’s and St Thomas’
hospital in London, where he
eventually became clinical
director before returning to
Christchurch in 2002.
Long-term colleague Peter
Ganley said Smith left an
enviable legacy and a massive
void.
“Just as blood flows throughout
every part of the body, no
part of health is untouched by
haematology. Mark’s mana
and influence has flowed far
beyond our department, into
all of medicine and surgery into
primary and secondary care,” he
said.
“When you work with
someone every day for many
years you will know exactly their
value. When something fell over,
when we had an earthquake,
when we had the atrocity at the
mosque, when Covid struck,
Mark, to paraphrase loosely,
could keep his head when
everyone about was losing
theirs.”
Karl Archibald, vice-president
of the Haemophilia Foundation
of New Zealand, was also a
patient of Smith, who was an
avid athlete.
“Clinics with Mark would be
patient-focused, followed by tales
of his recent running triumphs
or trips,” he said.
“As a strong and considered
clinical advocate in the national
and international bleeding
disorders community, Mark
leaves a legacy that has raised the
standard of care for all.”
Smith, who was planning to
run the Queenstown marathon
on November 21, is survived
by his wife Cathy and children
Torin and Zoe.