CAMPAIGNERS have reacted angrily to suggestions that the much-delayed inquiry into disgraced surgeon Richard Neale might not be published until the autumn.

The inquiry into the former Northallerton gynaecologist was expected to have been completed before the end of last year. It has already taken 13 months since the inquiry got under way in York last May.

But inquiry officials admit that there is a danger that it might not be completed in time for the Parliamentary recess, which starts on July 28.

If that happens, Health Secretary Dr John Reid will not be able to publish the report until MPs return after their summer break.

Inquiry officials say the most recent delay is due to last-minute vetting of the draft report by lawyers to ensure that every detail is supported by evidence.

Graham Maloney, advisor to the 300-strong victims of the Richard Neale support group, said: "This is inexcusable and a disgrace. We are talking about people's safety, people's lives and making our hospitals safe for patients."

Colin Phillips, inquiry secretary, said: "The report is almost ready to be handed over. The lawyers have to make sure that everything that appears in the report is supported."

Last September, Mr Phillips said he was confident that the panel's report would be handed over to Dr John Reid before the end of this year.

This week he admitted: "It has taken far too long."

While progress was being made, Mr Phillips said there was a looming logistical problem because of the impending Parliamentary recess.

"We give it to the Secretary of State as a report, he then publishes it in the Commons."

But the report cannot be published while Parliament is in recess.

The inquiry was ordered by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn in 2001 to investigate the way the NHS handled large numbers of complaints made against the surgeon, who was struck off the medical register for serious professional misconduct in 2000.

Mr Maloney said: "They are not taking this report seriously. The onus on the inquiry is to get it signed off and handed over as soon as possible."

Read more about the Richard Neale scandal here.