Inquiry's first phase completed
23/07/2003

The first phase of the Richard Neale inquiry ended yesterday after sitting in York for nearly three months.

Now the inquiry team, headed by deputy high court judge Suzan Matthews QC, will move to London to begin the second phase of the process.

This involves bringing together a number of experts to help the inquiry members to assess the written and oral evidence.

Colin Phillips, secretary to the inquiry, said: "We have got some significant new information from an individual that has helped to clarify what went on."

Things were "still on course" for the finished report to be handed over to Health Secretary John Reid before Christmas, said Mr Phillips.

The inquiry was ordered by the former Health Secretary Alan Milburn to investigate how the NHS handled the large numbers of complaints made against disgraced gynaecologist Mr Neale when he worked at The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, between 1985 and 1995 and at other hospitals around the UK.

Hundreds claimed to have suffered at his hands and after a campaign by former patients, Mr Neale was struck off by the General Medical Council in 2000 for serious professional misconduct.

The inquiry team will return briefly to York early in September to take evidence from a key witness who was unable to attend the sessions and to allow closing statements to be made.

During these sessions the panel has heard evidence from about 30 witnesses, including a number of Mr Neale's former patients and Mr Neale himself.

In addition, panel members have received written statements or evidence from about 100 individuals or organisations.

While former patients could attend the inquiry, the main group representing patients boycotted the proceedings because members felt it should have been held in public.