THE first victims of Richard Neale to be assessed for possible corrective surgery will be seen by a top consultant today.

Last month, the NHS made an historic offer to the victims of the disgraced former Friarage Hospital surgeon.

The deal - struck with the Department of Health - will mean up to 250 former patients will be given access to fast-track corrective surgery if it is deemed to be necessary.

It is the first time the NHS has responded to a medical scandal in this way.

Four women will be assessed by an NHS consultant at the Duchy Nuffield Hospital, in Harrogate, today. Another five will be seen tomorrow.

If they are likely to benefit from corrective surgery the patients will be referred to a leading surgeon at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

A large number of women are pursuing a claim against the Northallerton NHS Trust, which employed Mr Neale between 1985 and 1995.