Neale victims boycott inquiry

Many former patients are boycotting the inquiry

Patients of the disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale are refusing to give evidence at an inquiry because it is being held behind closed doors in York.

The campaigning group of ex-patients had demanded a public inquiry into Mr Neale's behaviour during his time Northallerton's Friarage Hospital.

They are boycotting the present hearing because of its terms of reference and because it is being held behind closed doors.

Mr Neale was struck off by the General Medical Council in 2000 after it heard he had injured many of his patients with unprofessional operations.

Richard Neale was struck off by the GMC

The volume of complaints has led to the current inquiry chaired by Susan Matthews QC.

Graham Maloney, Treasurer and group adviser of Action and Support Group for Medical Victims of Richard Neale, told BBC News Online:" It's not acceptable because no good reason has been given for holding it behind closed doors."

He added: "They seem to be trying to press gang people to attend this inquiry.

"They don't need to do that, just have it in public and they'll come in droves.

"Glossing over the issues will not work with these ladies. They want a robust inquiry and not one governed by very, very strict terms of reference."

A spokesman for the inquiry said it would not be jeopardised by the boycott.