Anxious wait for patients
09/02/2002

Victims of disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale face an anxious wait to hear if their campaign for a public inquiry has succeeded.

Former patients have been at the High Court in London all week arguing for a full and open investigation.

Neale spent ten-and-a-half years at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire. He was later struck off by the General Medical Council after he botched a string of operations.

Sheila Wright-Hogeland, 50, who heads a support group for 250 alleged victims of the doctor, wants a public inquiry, with the Press in attendance, saying it is vital to encourage other potential witnesses to come forward.

But Health Secretary Alan Milburn is resisting the move and plans to hold private inquiries - a procedure which he insists will be fairer, faster and more cost effective.

Lawyers argue that Mr Milburn's decision violates the victims' human rights and can only harm public confidence in the NHS.

After hearing arguments over the past four days, Mr Justice Scott Baker said he needed time to consider before giving his decision. He did not indicate when he would give his ruling.