SIR - Many of your readers will be aware that an independent inquiry has been launched into the Richard Neale case.

Mr Neale was a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician who worked in a number of hospitals in the North East and elsewhere and who was struck off the medical register after complaints about his performance by patients.

I am chairing the inquiry and I hope I may use your letters page to invite patients and staff who have any information that might be helpful to the panel to come forward.

We already have a significant number of patients engaged in the process and we have had a number of informal meetings in York and Northallerton with both patients and staff. But it became clear at those meetings that there is a degree of misunderstanding about the role of the inquiry, so perhaps I could just emphasise some important points.

First, we want to hear from private patients as well as NHS patients. All former private and NHS patients of Mr Neale will be able to provide evidence and attend our hearings.

Secondly, we will be looking into questions such as, why were favourable references given to Mr Neale, how was his employment terminated and why was the fact that he was struck off in Canada not acted upon?

Thirdly, the High Court supported a private inquiry (confirmed by the Court of Appeal), so that our hearings will be held in private. However, my panel members and I are absolutely determined to make this a rigorous and comprehensive investigation of the facts and to make recommendations to the Secretary of State which we hope will enable poorly performing doctors to be identified earlier and the public protected.

Patients have said to us loudly and clearly that their motives for coming forward relate not to their personal experiences so much as their feeling that future patients should feel reassured that history cannot be repeated.

We hope to start our hearings in the Spring and so there is still plenty of time for people to get in touch. For those who would find it helpful, legal representation paid for out of public funds is available. Anyone may contact the inquiry team by telephoning 020 972 2400.

Suzan Matthews QC, Inquiry Chairman