DISGRACED surgeon Richard Neale held a behind-closed-doors meeting with inquiry officials yesterday.

The meeting, at a York hotel, was the first face-to-face encounter between the former Friarage Hospital surgeon and the team which is investigating how the NHS responded to complaints by his victims.

Ironically, while Mr Neale accepted an invitation to meet officials, large numbers of his victims are boycotting the inquiry because they believe it is nothing more than a whitewash.

Another informal meeting with potential witnesses is being planned in the New Year and officials point out that the inquiry will go ahead regardless of the boycott.

Yesterday's meeting included representatives of the three NHS trusts where Mr Neale worked in Northallerton, Leicester and the Isle of Wight.

Representatives of professional associations and trade unions also held talks with inquiry officials.

The hope is that by working through these organisations, individuals who have not previously come forward may agree to give evidence to the inquiry.

While officials insisted that it was normal to invite individuals at the centre of NHS inquiries to take part, the action group set up by his victims was not impressed.

"Its a pantomime - a complete waste of taxpayers money," said Graham Maloney, an advisor to the 250-strong group.

Mr Neale was struck off by the General Medical Council two years ago after 34 out of 25 sample charges of serious professional misconduct were proven.

It followed a campaign by the group to have action taken against Mr Neale.

The group wants a public inquiry to expose the cover-ups which allowed Mr Neale to keep working within the NHS for so long.

Mr Maloney said the fight for a public enquiry was still very much alive, despite being thrown out by a High Court judge earlier this year.

Inquiry chairman Suzan Matthews QC has expressed her determination to ensure that the investigation is "full and thorough".

* The inquiry helpline is on 0207 972 2400.

Read more about the Richard Neale scandal here.