Claimants against disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale have been asked to meet for discussion about compensation.

The National Health Service Litigation Authority, which has responsibility for dealing with compensation claims, today invited Neale's patients to discuss their cases through mediation.

Neale, of Langthorpe, near Boroughbridge, was struck off by the General Medical Council last year after being found guilty of 34 counts of serious professional misconduct. He had worked for ten years at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.

It is intended that mediation will allow claims to be resolved without the need for lengthy legal proceedings and high costs.

A spokesman for the authority said: "The Northallerton Health Service NHS Trust and the NHS Litigation Authority are keen to deal with claims as quickly as possible.

"They are also concerned that claimants who cannot afford legal proceedings should have the chance to present their cases without going to court."

Updated: 10:56 Friday, January 12, 2001