media release

DATE 23/10/09

JOHN MORRIS DIABETES CENTRE

Draft Media Release and Media Advisory

The LGH Diabetes Centre is to be formally renamed in honour of a Launceston doctor who helped transform care for patients over a career spanning four decades.

Labor Senator of Tasmania Helen Polley today officially renamed the centre the John Morris Diabetes Centre, to honour Dr John Morris AO MBE.

Dr Morris worked as a visiting medical officer at the LGH specialising in diabetes for 34 years between 1960 and 1994, before retiring from full time practice in 1998.

“For much of this period he was the sole diabetes specialist and managed a large case load,” Senator Poley said.

“He was instrumental in changing the way diabetes patients are cared for, and made an outstanding contribution to medical education and research.

“Dr Morris also made a significant contribution to the training of several generations of junior doctors at the LGH.

“Some of Dr Morris’ patients still attend the Diabetes Centre, including some who have had Type 1 diabetes for more than 50 years.

“They describe him as a practitioner of exceptional skill and compassion.”

Senator Polley said the contribution of Dr Morris to the wider medical community was well known.

“He was a member of the Medical Council of Tasmania for 13 years and was foundation chair of the Clifford Craig Foundation.

“He is also the author of a biography of Clifford Craig, a surgeon and radiologist who developed the LGH as a training centre for young doctors.”

Media Advisory: Dr Morris will attend the renaming of the LGH Diabetes Centre at a lunch TODAY, Tuesday 29 September.

Senator Helen Polley will speak at 2pm.

Senator Guy Barnett, who is a diabetes sufferer, has been invited.

The CEO of the Northern Area Health Service, John Kirwan and diabetes centre staff and patients will also be at the renaming ceremony.

What: Renaming of the LGH Diabetes Centre to honour prominent diabetes specialist Dr John Morris.

When: Lunch 12 noon, formal renaming and speech by Senator Helen Polley 2pm Tuesday 29 September 2009.

Where: Lunch – 12.00 Lecture Theatre, level 2, LGH and Formal renaming 2.00 pm Function Room, Level 3, (near QV doors)

Further information: Karen Jackson 63487578