Surgeon's victims ask to meet chief
23/03/04

CAMPAIGNERS who succeeded in getting disgraced surgeon Richard Neale struck off are seeking a meeting with the chief constable of North Yorkshire.

The group, which represents about 300 ex-patients, is still dissatisfied about the outcome of the police inquiry.

Mr Neale, who was struck off in 2000 by the General Medical Council after he was found guilty of professional misconduct, including botching a string of operations, was the subject of a two-year police investigation.

It was abandoned in 2001 due to lack of evidence.

Graham Maloney, advisor to the Action and Support Group for Medical Victims of Richard Neale, said its members wanted a meeting with the chief constable, Della Cannings, to express concerns.

"Only eight cases were ever examined and Mr Neale was never interviewed, " said Mr Maloney.

One concern is the use of initials by the former Friarage Hospital gynaecologist. He used FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons).

"Quite a few of our ladies felt reassured by the letters but he should not have been using them, " said Mr Maloney.

The group has notified the independent inquiry looking into the way the NHS handled complaints against Mr Neale of its concerns.

North Yorkshire police has asked the group to outline the points it wishes to raise with the chief constable.