Patients continue to snub inquiry
14/01/2003
Barry Nelson

Despite efforts to drum up interest, only seven former patients of disgraced surgeon Richard Neale are due to meet inquiry officials today.

The independent inquiry was set up to investigate how the NHS dealt with complaints against the former Friarage Hospital consultant.

But it has been hampered by opposition from a patient group that has campaigned for a full public inquiry.

Mr Neale was struck off the medical register in 2000 for serious professional misconduct, after botching a string of operations, lying to patients and altering records.

Three months ago, inquiry chairwoman Suzanne Mathews invited former patients to come forward and tell their stories.

But so far, the number of victims who are willing to cooperate with the inquiry remains very small.

Last month, the inquiry moved from London to York and held informal inquiries with an undisclosed number of potential witnesses, including Mr Neale himself.

In an effort to make the inquiry more accessible the inquiry investigation team set up camp in Northallerton yesterday, for two days.

Jonathan Street, spokesman for the inquiry, said yesterday's meetings involved NHS staff, trades union representatives and others.

Today, it is the turn of former patients.

Despite the small numbers coming forward, Mr Street insisted that the inquiry was making good progress.

"Things are moving forward; we have collected a huge amount of information and we are ready to go ahead," he said.

He confirmed that seven patients were due to meet members of the inquiry panel today.

"Quite conceivably there could be a few more," he said.

Mr Street said that despite the boycott, panel members were determined to make the inquiry worthwhile.

"People still have plenty of time to come forward - we would like them to give us a ring," he said.

Graham Maloney, an advisor to the Action and Support Group for Medical Victims of Richard Neale, said: "The numbers show that there has been no change of heart on the part of the patients. It highlights the strong feelings which led to them taking to the streets of Northallerton a few weeks ago."

Mr Maloney said the inquiry may have moved 25 miles closer but "they are still thousands of miles away from the truth".

The inquiry helpline can be contacted on 0207 972 240