Surgeon speaks at inquiry
24/06/2003

Disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale gave evidence yesterday at a private inquiry into the way the NHS handled large numbers of complaints made against him.

Arriving at about 10.30am, Neale spent much of the day giving evidence to a panel of three people, in what is the final part of the inquiry.

"He has expanded on his written statement and explained anything that needed further clarification," said inquiry secretary Colin Phillips.

For the next three weeks the panel will consider all the evidence that was presented to them, including that of Britain's most senior doctor, Sir Liam Donaldson, the Government's chief medical officer.

"After that, there will be an expert inquiry," said Mr Phillips. "The panel will take some areas of the evidence and ask experts to expand on them."

The inquiry was ordered by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn to look into the way complaints were handled while Neale worked at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, from 1985 to 1995 and at other UK hospitals.

Neale was struck off in 2000 by the General Medical Council after allegations were proven that he had botched operations, lied to patients and altered medical records.