Long-Serving Taranaki Surgeon Tim Lynskey Retires After 40 Years

After more than 40 years of dedicated service in orthopaedic surgery, Dr. Tim Lynskey has officially retired from his role in New Plymouth. His journey in medicine began after a spinal injury during his school days at Nelson Boys’ College, which ultimately shaped his future career in a profound way.

Lynskey’s passion for the sciences propelled him to attend medical school in Otago, and in 1975, he started his medical career as a house surgeon in New Plymouth. Initially planning to stay for just one year, he found the environment stimulating and extended his stay to four years. “I wanted to go to a place on the coast, where I can go scuba diving,” Lynskey reflected.

Over the years, Lynskey witnessed significant changes in the medical field. When he began, he was one of just nine house surgeons, with the entire junior staff numbering only ten. Today, that number has surged to over a hundred, reflecting the increased demand for medical services in the region.

Lynskey noted that the volume of acute surgeries has roughly doubled since he returned as a consultant in 1984, while elective surgeries have quadrupled. He stated, “The number of knee replacements has gone up about seven times,” attributing this rise to an aging population and advancements in medical treatments.

A challenging period for the healthcare system was during the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in the temporary loss of an operating theatre as it was converted to a Covid theatre. Lynskey expressed frustration over the backlog of surgeries: “It’s heartbreaking to see so many people waiting.”

His career has been marked by numerous successes, particularly in orthopaedics, which he describes as highly practical. “Hip replacement was considered the medical advancement of the last century,” he said. The profound impact of such procedures on patient mobility and quality of life has been a source of fulfillment for him throughout his career.

As he reflects on his time in the medical field, Lynskey acknowledges the emotional weight of the job. “If things go well, I forget the patients. If things haven’t gone well, you never forget them.” His commitment to patient care has left a lasting impression on many lives, and he takes pride in the relief he brings to those who come to him seeking help.

With his retirement, Lynskey plans to spend more time with his family and his two miniature schnauzers, Wallis and Waffle. His legacy in Taranaki’s medical community will be remembered for years to come, as he leaves behind a career filled with both challenges and remarkable achievements.