THE Government is to order an inquiry into the scandal of disgraced surgeon Richard Neale, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Since the North Yorkshire gynaecologist was struck off the medical register last year, after botching a string of operations, the clamour for an inquiry has grown louder.

Now Health Minister John Hutton has confirmed the Government's intention to hold "a full and independent review" of the case in due course.

Graham Maloney, spokes-man for the 200-strong Action and Support Group for Medical Victims of Richard Neale, said the revelation, contained in a letter to Liberal Democrat MP Nick Harvey, was "very good news".

The group has been campaigning for an investigation into the Neale affair since the General Medical Council's (GMC) professional conduct committee struck him off last summer.

Mr Maloney said there was a need to thoroughly investigate the role played by the GMC and management of the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton in the scandal.

In the letter from the Department of Health, Mr Hutton says the review would be ordered "as soon as appropriate".

The minister adds that there are currently some restraints on initiating an inquiry "given that we understand there has been a referral to the police, and that medical litigation is in train".

Mr Harvey is one of a number of politicians who have supported an inquiry into the Neale affair.

The tally of former patients who have complained to the Friarage currently stands at nearly 80. Another 15 to 20 women, who were private patients of the gynaecologist, are also taking legal action.

Virtually all of them are from the North-East and North Yorkshire. In addition, more than 60 women who were treated by Mr Neale when he worked in Canada in the 1980s are also talking to Canadian police with a view to possible action.

Until recently, all the UK complaints against Mr Neale have been about his gynaecological work.

But recently a leading firm of medical negligence lawyers in East Anglia announced that they have been approached by a new wave of patients, who include women concerned at the quality of obstetric care they received from Mr Neale.

North Yorkshire Police are continuing to investigate the deaths of at least three of Mr Neale's former patients.

An external surgical expert is understood to be reviewing case notes on behalf of the police.

Recently, Sir Donald Irvine, president of the GMC, apologised to the victims of Mr Neale for the failings of his organisation.

Mr Maloney said: "Things do seem to be making progress. It would be nice if, in the year 2001, the women could draw a line under all of this and get on with their lives."

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