VICTIMS of disgraced North Yorkshire gynaecologist Richard Neale are being urged to come forward with evidence - a move which campaigners for a public inquiry into the scandal say backs up their cause.

Neale, of Langthorpe, near Boroughbridge, who worked at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, between 1985 and 1995, was struck off in 2000 for botching a series of operations.

An inquiry is taking place behind closed doors into how the NHS handled complaints against him.

The Action Support Group for Medical Victims of Richard Neale, which was founded by a former patient, Sheila Wright-Hogeland, who lives near Kirkbymoorside, has campaigned for a public inquiry into the scandal, and many members are boycotting the current inquiry.

Graham Maloney, treasurer of the 270-strong group, said the fact that more witness appeals had been issued showed that victims were not taking the inquiry seriously.

He said: "We are saying that this inquiry is not robust enough. What is preventing this inquiry being more open, more robust and allowing the press into parts of it?

"We have told the women in the group that if they feel they would get something out of the inquiry, and that it would help future patients, they should take part.

"The fact that they have had to appeal for witnesses shows that people do not feel that."

Updated: 10:52 Tuesday, June 10, 2003