THE Richard Neale scandal did much to tarnish the image of The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and - with a legal battle continuing in a bid to force a public inquiry - it is not over yet.

Mr Neale is an incompetent gynaecologist who is also a liar and is now, thankfully, struck off the medical register due to the admirable determination of his victims to see justice done.

The case of Neil Hebblethwaite is entirely different. He is clearly a skilled and highly-respected gynaecologist who made a serious error of judgement when he had an affair with a patient - a breach of General Medical Council rules.

Since he was suspended, and subsequently reinstated, Mr Hebblethwaite has attracted significant support from both patients and colleagues - testimony to the regard in which he is held.

The Northern Echo was the target of criticism at the time for referring to the Neale saga in reporting the complaint against Mr Hebblethwaite. We maintain that we were right to do so - after all, they were two gynaecologists suspended from the same hospital within a short period of time.

However, we accept that there is a gulf in the nature of the cases and, while we believe Richard Neale should never be allowed to operate on anyone ever again, Mr Hebblethwaite's ability as a surgeon is not in question.

He can now return to work because the complainant is unable to give evidence at a General Medical Council misconduct hearing.

A final written warning remains against his name, but at least he can now be given the chance to repay the faith so many patients and colleagues have shown in him.