'We believe in our doctors'

26 January 2022

Kia ora,

In front are Ngāhuia (in the purple coat) with sisters Maia and baby, Jackie Beamsley. While in the back, their sister Rangimaewa (in pink) next to Mum, Jackie and Dad Tui Beamsley, with her cousins’ Satriani Grace, Jeremiah Grace and her brother, Titus Beamsley.

My name is Jackie Beamsley. Dr Bernard Conlon and Dr Britta Noske have been my doctors since they came here and are now my whānau’s GPs.

One of the reasons why Bernard is still our doctor is because of the endless support he gives to his patients.

When my late Father, Bill King, was ill - it was Bernard who made it possible for Dad

to receive the treatment he needed.

Bernard fought to get a dialysis machine for Dad to have his treatment at home which he managed to achieve. As well as that, Bernard and his team went above and beyond to set up a support plan for Dad.

Bernard was right there with us to the end. I remember the last few days in 2007 like it was yesterday, Bernard talked me through what to do while provisions were made by Bernard’s team to prepare Dad to go to the hospital. Dad passed away a few days later. I’m forever grateful for the extra time we got with Dad.

Bill and Maraea King

Meanwhile, right now I’m saddened for my mother, Maraea King, who doesn’t understand why she can’t see Bernard at the Murupara Medical Centre.

Every time we go to the doctors, Mum says to me, ‘Am I going to see, Bernard? Where is Bernard? Why can’t I see him?’

After explaining the situation to Mum, she says to me – ‘Why are those people doing that to our Bernard? Who do they think they are? He’s the best doctor we’ve had here. Who’s going to do what he does for us and our community?’

It’s hard to respond to Mum. All I can say is I don’t know, Mum.

Bernard Conlon and Britta Noske are taonga in our community. Despite the ugliness and those on a hunt to discredit his reputation, Bernard has always been honest with us. And despite everything he’s going through, Bernard has continued to look after the community via telephone consultation.

Who else would do what he and his wife do for our community?

It was Bernard and Britta who told me I needed to have the Covid jab to best protect Mum from Covid but they made it clear that only I could make that choice for me. So, I did get the vaccine for myself and Mum.

We believe in you Bernard, Britta and the Murupara Medical team.

Ngā mihi from the King and Beamsley whānau.