Kia ora. I am going to be unavailable for a few months from June 2026. I was recently diagnosed with a CDH1 gene mutation (the same thing Stan Walker has) – which puts me at a high risk of developing stomach cancer. The recommended treatment is a total gastrectomy: removal of the stomach, which eliminates the risk of stomach cancer.

I am having this done in June 2026. I expect to make a full recovery and return to usual clinical duties, although the timeframe for this is hard to predict. I anticipate returning to clinics within 2-3 months, and to operating within 3-4 months.

Any patients who have non-urgent issues may experience longer than usual wait times while I recover. If this is not acceptable, or any issues need to be seen urgently, our team will gladly coordinate a referral to one of my colleagues. This will usually be with a specialist at Boulcott Hospital (the list is available here).

Thanks for your understanding and patience!