Dr Phil Bagshaw was an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Otago Christchurch until he retired in 2010. He practised as a specialist General Surgeon, did research and taught surgery. In 2007, he opened the Canterbury Charity Hospital for patients who can’t access public hospital care and can’t afford private care. He is chairman of the Trust that runs it and works as a volunteer.

Phil and his wife Dame Sue Bagshaw moved to Christchurch from London in 1981. They have had four children of whom aid worker Andrew was the eldest, who was killed in eastern Ukraine in January 2023.