Two of a West Coast's engineer's fingers have been binned after a health service delay getting him to Christchurch for an urgent operation.
Richard Mathis, 45, cleanly cut off the two fingers nearest his thumb when he was splitting wood at Waimangaroa, north of Westport, about 8pm yesterday.
He was rushed to Grey Hospital, which was then going to transfer him across to Christchurch Hospital in time to reattach his index and middle finger from his left hand.
However, wet weather had prevented an air ambulance transfer to Christchurch and no road ambulance or crew had apparently been available.
Mr Mathis was eventually transferred to Christchurch late this morning, but too late for any chance of reattachment.
His brother Jacques is furious at the delay, and said if he had known how long it would take, he would have driven his brother to Christchurch himself.
"It's now more than 24 hours since the accident. His fingers are in the rubbish bin now," he told NZPA tonight.
"It's like a third world country. It's bloody disgusting."
The injured man is still waiting for an operation in which the remaining stumps would be straightened, shortened and closed up.
Mr Mathis said his brother's injury would seriously affect his profession as an engineer, and he would probably never work in the industry again.
"He's not happy," Mr Mathis said.
Earlier today Garden City Helicopters manager Simon Duncan said poor visibility on the West Coast had prevented a Christchurch-based helicopter or aeroplane flying to either Westport or Greymouth last night.
"We advised South Comms that we would be happy to fly and meet an ambulance somewhere suitable, and they never came back to us."
When he was told the patient was still on the Coast this morning, he said: "You're joking".
Westport St John station manager Ian Rodger said St John was extremely busy last night, but did have an ambulance and crew available for a Christchurch transfer if required.
As far as he knew, it was not requested.
West Coast District Health Board was not available for comment.
