A LONG-SERVING Murupara doctor will be attending a final Medical Council hearing soon to hear if he keeps his practising certificate.

Dr Bernard Conlon was suspended for four months in 2022 over his views on the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination.

“I was able to regain my licence after signing a gag order,” he said. “I committed not to speak about anything related to the Covid vaccine programme. My preference is to remain silent ahead of this hearing,” he told the Beacon.

A call to support Dr Conlon at his hearing – to be held at Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel at 9am on November 4 – has gone out in the community of Murupara.

Kaumatua Pem Bird said there would be plenty of support for Dr Conlon, adding it would be peaceful, respectful support.

“He is one of us. He has given us 33 years of service and we are just so fortunate to have someone as dedicated as Bernard. He is a good man,” said Mr Bird, adding that Dr Conlon often sees patients after hours.

Dr Conlon described the support for him as “spontaneous” and “heartwarming”.

“I know there is strong interest and there is a clear intention to attend and show support and better understand what the issues are.

“Suffice to say there is strong public interest in this case. At this point I cannot say anything more. It has been nearly three years now with this hanging over me and I am, quite frankly, weary of it.”

A website has also been set up in support of Dr Conlon.