A surgeon being investigated by police following the death of a patient at Blenheim's Wairau hospital has resigned from the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board.
Police and the Medical Council launched investigations into Michael Parry in December after two patients died on the operating table between January 2011 and May 2012.
DHB chief executive Chris Fleming says Mr Parry, who had been on paid leave since May last year, is now on leave without pay until investigations are complete.
Adrien Pitcon-Mason has has filed complaints to the Health and Disability commissioner on behalf of several patients of Mr Parry.
She says one woman, who has digestive difficulties and has been worried about whether she can afford decent food for herself, is pleased the surgeon is no longer receiving a pay check from the health board.
