Overseas
It is impossible to capture in a few short words the impact of Neil on children, families and colleagues not just in Australia, but across the globe. There are a precious few in medicine whose deeds will echo through generations. Neil was one of these people.
Frequent Flyer
Streety was a much-valued volunteer with Open Heart International for over a decade. For his teammates he was an inspiration and, just as importantly, a source of light and laughter in an environment that is not always easy. From his first trip in 1996, Neil volunteered abroad 14 times, once to Myanmar, the remainder dedicated to Papua New Guinea.
He was an integral part of a crew dedicated to a singular goal – to put themselves out of business by gifting the immensely talented local team with the ability to look after the hearts of PNG into the future. And so while there is not a member of the OHI team that would not have a heart-warming or highly amusing story to tell of Streety, it is best to start with the words of the Society of Anaesthetists of Papua New Guinea:
The Society of Anaesthetists of Papua New Guinea [SAPNG] would like to sincerely express our deepest sympathies upon hearing of late Dr Neil Street. The news was received with great sadness.
Dr Street was a great friend of PNG Anaesthesia. He was [a] gentle giant who helped teach and inspired interest and growth in cardiac anaesthesia and cardiac intensive care in many young PNG Anaesthesia trainees, eventually mentoring and having a great influence in the training of PNG’s only Cardiothoracic Anaesthetist.
Dr Street was instrumental especially in helping hundreds of PNG children with sick hearts getting open heart surgery done over the last 15 years during his annual visits with the Open Heart International team.
On behalf of the Society of Anaesthetists of PNG, Chief Anaesthetist’s office of PNG, main operating theatre nurses, cardiac ward nurses and cardiac surgical team, we offer our sincere condolences to his immediate family and colleagues. We pray for peace and comfort to his immediate family.
Thankyou Dr Street for all the great assistance to the children of PNG, Anaesthetists and Port Moresby General Hospital Cardiac team. Your legacy will live on in us those whom you touched and influenced, and the children whose lives, you have lovingly helped restore to normal.
Farewell Dr Street, Rest in Eternal Peace.
Sincerely, Dr Arvin Karu.
President, SAPNG
