Patient condition update

Margit Christensen, 36, of Putaruru underwent nine hours of surgery overnight at Waikato Hospital and is now stable in a ward at the hospital.

Plastics surgery registrar Dr Katerina Anesti said she had never seen so many extensive wounds on a patient.

"She was almost covered by dog marks - some were quite extensive but there was no major damage to tissue or organs.

"The priority for the operation was to prevent any infection, control the bleeding and try to cover them."

Mrs Christensen faces more surgery in the coming fortnight.

A team led by plastics consultant Mr Ahmed Alkadhi, registrars, consultants, nurses and theatre staff worked through the night.

Please find a link through to an interview with Dr Anesti and a picture of her. She is now unavailable to the media.

A reminder of the media conference at midday. Dr John Bonning from our emergency department will be there.

http://www.waikatodhb.govt.nz/news/pageid/2145846292/Media_conference_dog_attack_victims_family

Photo library (News)

Date: 4 August 2009

Mary Anne Gill
Director
Media and Communications
Waikato District Health Board
P.O. Box 934
Hamilton 3240
Ph: 07 834 3684
Mobile: 021 705 213