Editorial: Signal service

OPINION: Sir Don Beaven's death is shocking. It occurred in tragic circumstances and it deprives the community of an outstanding contributor. The consolation is that Beaven leaves a legacy that will make him more than a footnote in New Zealand history.

That would not be the case were he just an outstanding physician. He was that, healing and tending thousands of patients and earning the respect of his colleagues. But many other doctors have matched that contribution and yet have left little permanent for which they are remembered.

Beaven's unique contribution in New Zealand medicine was that he identified diabetes as a looming plague and established the services needed to treat it.

For this, thousands of New Zealanders owe him gratitude for improving the quality and length of their lives.

The diabetes clinics in the nation's hospitals, the outstanding physicians that lead them, the education that helps prevent the disease, the screening to detect its victims – all these are to a substantial degree the result of Beaven's determination and vigour.

He advocated tirelessly with a succession of Governments to devote more services to diabetes as a way of treating a pervasive and growing disease and of preventing its dire and costly consequences.

The result is not a faultless system, but it provides world-class treatment for thousands.

Moreover, Beaven's advocacy has so lodged diabetes in the minds of the public, politicians and professionals that it is unlikely again to be downgraded on the health agenda.

Beaven's achievement places him in the same league as Truby King. Both men were able to establish national policies and structures able to respond to serious medical problems. For this, Beaven's contribution should be celebrated and remembered.

- © Fairfax NZ News