It is with a great deal of grief and sadness that I have learned of the passing of Dr Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann - a fine father, husband and surgeon.
The Government's thoughts, hopes and best wishes have been with Dr Pritzwald-Stegmann and his family over the past few weeks as he courageously battled in hospital.
Our compassion and care is now with his loved ones and friends enduring this devastation and heartbreak.
So too it is with those that worked alongside him at Box Hill Hospital and indeed, all of those across our health system who considered Patrick a colleague.
Our health system and community are the better for his contribution.
We ask that Dr Pritzwald-Stegmann's family and friends' privacy be respected at this difficult time.
Reviewed 19 August 2020