02 February 2022
Dr Bernard Conlon of the Murupara Medical Centre will be suspended from this Friday, (4 Feb 2022), following confirmation from the Medical Council.
So far, Murupara has had eight positive cases of Covid-19. All of them have recovered well.
Dr Conlon isn’t surprised by the news of his suspension but can’t comprehend why it’s happening before an investigation into allegations received by the council.
“To take me out of practice after three decades of dedicated service to my community is frankly difficult to comprehend, especially with winter coming and Covid-19 at our gates.”
You can read the update from Dr Conlon at the bottom of this article.
The update includes his rebuttal (why he disagrees with the decision) where Dr Conlon highlights:
The update includes his rebuttal (why he disagrees with the decision) where Dr Conlon highlights:
Medical Council unfair last-minute deadlines for responses (during the festive season)
That his focus is on individualised patient care (Bottom-up management approach)
His conduct takes into account the importance of patient history and experience including for some a deep distrust of Pākehā government and related administrative measures
The pressure on him by the Ministry of Health, for example, to tell patients to get the vaccine without discussions about treatments would risk jeopardising a trusted relationship he has established with patients (Top-down management approach)
Mindful of the impact colonisation has had on the Māori communities he serves, Dr Conlon has enhanced his style of practice to build and maintain trust and not to further exacerbate (make worse) the challenges Māori face.
Update below posted on the Murupara Medical Centre Facebook page from Dr Bernard Conlon.
To my patients:
It is with sadness that I write to let you know the Medical Council’s decision to suspend me from Friday 04/02/22 . However it comes as no surprise.
That it can happen ahead of an investigation says it all.
To take me out of practice after three decades of dedicated service to my community is frankly difficult to comprehend, especially with winter coming and Covid-19 at our gates. It is disappointing and frustrating to fathom how a regulatory body can take this action whilst declaring that it prioritises the safety of the New Zealand public.
I will be instructing my legal team to challenge this decision in court with the hope of reversing it.
Whilst awaiting today’s decision, I continue to unequivocally endorse the need for patient informed consent and freedom to choose for all medical interventions including the Covid 19 gene vaccine. I consider the standard of information given to patients on this topic as woeful in its’ simplicity and not keeping up to date with overseas data. Indeed in normal times it could be considered negligent.
I also continue to spend countless hours researching alternative treatments. For 30 years, I have practiced successfully as a rural GP and as such, I do my own due diligence on the management of a wide range of patient health problems.
Early treatment protocols for Covid-19 are a game-changer with a reduction in deaths by upwards of 85 per cent. I observe in Australia that 9 in every 10 cases, and 8 in every 10 hospitalisations and deaths are among the vaccinated population (26th Nov 21 - 1st Jan 22). Why wouldn’t I vouch for a medicine, which I’ve attempted to import into the country, that can help my high-risk patients? It’s called spreading your bets.
In the 1990s, Murupara Medical Centre managed a large meningococcal outbreak without any deaths.
So far, Murupara has had eight positive cases of Covid-19 and the surgery is pleased that they all have recovered without complication or needing hospitalisation. In 2020 our efforts of over x30 years were acknowledged by being nominated as Kiwi Bank Bay of Plenty Local Heros.
As a result of the suspension, the future of the Murupara Medical Centre becomes more uncertain.
Trying to hold the practice together under the tyrannical covid 19 order has been most difficult . Now that the omicron strain makes vaccination status virtually irrelevant , the reduction in service under the covid 19 order is impossible to justify in a sane world.
As the surgery reassesses its operations, we acknowledge the community support including our local patients who run the Facebook page, Te Ika Whenua Community Support and Wellness Network, who have offered, in the interim, to share any updates/ developments from the surgery. We encourage you to join the group.
Britta and I continue to thank you for your support.
I welcome you to read my full rebuttal to the Medical Council and their subsequent final decision.
Ngā mihi, Bernard Conlon FRNZCGP DGM DRCOG DCH.
You can find Dr Conlon's rebuttal below:
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