Neale inquiry hears last witnesses

Mr Neale was struck off by the General Medical Council

The committee investigating complaints about disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale is hearing evidence from the last witnesses.

More than 250 women claim they were left in agony by operations he botched while working at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.

The official inquiry ordered by the government has been boycotted by many of his alleged victims because it is not being held in public.

But the inquiry, which reconvenes in York on Tuesday, will hear the last witnesses' personal account of their treatment.

Inquiry secretary Colin Phillips said 60 patients had already provided written evidence.

Professional misconduct

Mr Neale was struck off in July 2000 by the General Medical Council after 34 counts of professional misconduct were proved against him.

Mr Phillips added: "The whole purpose of the inquiry is to find out what happened. Why those that did raise concerns weren't listened to and if they were why was Mr Neale allowed to carry on working."

The inquiry will report to the Secretary of State for Health Dr John Reid in the autumn.

It will be up to him to decide how much of the findings are made public.