FIFTEEN more former patients have come forward to help an inquiry into how the NHS handled complaints against two former North Yorkshire psychiatrists. The news comes as the inquiry prepares to hold two preliminary meetings in York next month to discuss the format and conduct of the hearings.

The independent inquiry has been set up by Health Secretary Alan Milburn to investigate how the NHS locally handled allegations, complaints and concerns about the conduct of William Kerr and Michael Haslam, both now retired and both of whom live near Easingwold.

Kerr has been on the sex offenders' register since a jury decided in December 2000 that he indecently assaulted a former patient.

The Department of Health has said that allegations have also been made against Dr Haslam.

Adverts were published recently encouraging former patients, NHS staff or anyone else who wished to give evidence to come forward.

An inquiry spokesman said 18 patients had responded to the adverts, of whom 15 had been willing to give their names and whose evidence could therefore be considered. He said a number of former patients had already come forward before the adverts appeared, for example some of the women who had given evidence at Kerr's crown court case.

The preliminary meetings will be held on September 3 and 4. The Evening Press understands they will be held at the Hilton Hotel in York, although the spokesman was unwilling to confirm this. Like the main inquiry hearings, they will be held in private.

The spokesman said that as well as patients, the meetings would be open to representatives of voluntary organisations such as Victim Support and the NHS, along with experts such as other psychiatrists.

Updated: 11:51 Wednesday, August 21, 2002