Disgraced New Plymouth doctor suspended

Disgraced New Plymouth doctor Hiran Fernando has had his licence to practise suspended by the Medical Council.

Fernando was found guilty two weeks ago of 26 charges of indecently assaulting female patients between 1981 and 2002.

His suspension was due to start at 9am tomorrow but Fernando had agreed to stop practising medicine after he was convicted.

Medical Council spokesman George Symmes told NZPA Fernando's case would be referred to the Professional Conduct Committee.

The committee could then either refer him to Competence -- a re-education programme for improving communication or skills -- or they could refer him to the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, which could see him struck from the medical register.

Fernando has rights of appeal to both a decision by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal and the Professional Conduct Committee.

He is due to be sentenced in the High Court at New Plymouth on November 15.

- NZPA

* An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Fernando had no rights of appeal. Incorrect information was provided by the Medical Council.