Doctors and staff have been doxxed, abused and harassed online since the incident, with a community Facebook moderator calling on users to \u201cthink carefully\u201d before posting photos as some images showed ex-staff unconnected to the incident.<\/p>\n
In a statement released through a PR firm today, Patel said the clinic was a single-doctor practice with one nurse.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the time of the incident, I, along with our nurse, was in surgery with a patient, and unaware of the emergency situation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe there was a misunderstanding around what was being requested and what was happening outside at that time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Patel said that once his team became \u201caware that there was a situation happening outside the practice, they called an ambulance and tried to help by providing any assistance required\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am undertaking a full review with my team, and relevant authorities, to understand the events leading up to the man\u2019s passing.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Patel could not provide further comment during the review, he said the clinic was \u201calways willing to help in an emergency situation\u201d.<\/p>\n
Patel said he had been a proud member of the Mt Albert community for several years and had also worked as a doctor in East T\u0101maki for a number of years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe care deeply about our community and the privileged role we carry in healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mt Albert Medical Centre remained open during its usual hours, the statement said.<\/p>\n
The clinic\u2019s website appears to have been deactivated and its Facebook page made private.<\/p>\n
A Mt Albert Community Facebook page moderator urged users over the weekend to hold anyone found responsible to account, while respecting those who were not involved.<\/p>\n
Mt Albert Medical and Dental Centre is a single doctor and nurse practice. Photo \/ Google Street View<\/p>\n
After the death, there had been a number of posts showing names and photos from the centre\u2019s website. The moderator said: \u201cI understand the anger, frustration and outrage surrounding this incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, please be aware that the website contains photographs of former employees who have not worked at the centre for several years (in some cases more than 4 years).\u201d<\/p>\n
Some posts had led to people \u201cbeing identified and personally attacked despite having no current association with the centre\u201d, the moderator said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRacist comments, harassment, doxing, and personal attacks of ex employees will not be tolerated in this group.\u201d <\/p>\n
He asked the community to direct its energy towards the appropriate people and processes. <\/p>\n
\u201cPlease think carefully before sharing someone\u2019s name or photograph, particularly if you haven\u2019t verified their involvement.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018Ethical obligation\u2019 to respond to emergencies<\/p>\n
The Medical Council of New Zealand\u2019s website says doctors have \u201can ethical obligation\u201d to respond promptly if needed for a medical emergency. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf you choose not to attend a medical emergency, you must be able to justify your decision,\u201d the council\u2019s statement on expected standards, titled \u201cMedical emergencies \u2013 a doctor\u2019s duty to help\u201d, says.<\/p>\n
The statement says it may not be practical for doctors to attend a medical emergency if another doctor is closer or can respond faster.<\/p>\n
\u201cFailing to attend a medical emergency simply because it is inconvenient for you is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action,\u201d the statement says. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt is good practice to document your reasons for not attending a medical emergency, in case your decision is queried at a later date.\u201d <\/p>\n
Police earlier confirmed the man\u2019s sudden death happened on New North Rd at 4.25pm, and there were no suspicious circumstances. The death had been referred to the coroner.<\/p>\n
\u2018We can\u2019t help\u2019<\/p>\n