The ex-patient who led efforts to get Richard Neale struck off has condemned Health Secretary Dr John Reid for refusing to meet with representatives of more than 300 victims.

Sheila Wright-Hogeland is the chairman and founder of the action group set up to try to stop disgraced surgeon Richard Neale's activities at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.

During a ten year career at the North Yorkshire hospital and at other hospitals around the UK, Mr Neale botched a string of gynaecological operations, leaving many women in agony.

Even though he was struck off by the General Medical Council in 2000, the group is concerned at the length of time taken by the independent inquiry into the Neale scandal to report back to Dr Reid.

The inquiry began taking evidence in May last year and it's report is currently being drafted.

The group want the Health Secretary to bring in new rules which will ensure that hospitals will deal with complaints promptly and thoroughly. Graham Maloney, advisor to the Neale group, wrote in January requesting a meeting to discuss their concerns.

In reply, a spokeswoman said the inquiry was independent and therefore the department could not interfere.

"Due to the pressure of parliamentary and other commitments, Secretary of State is not able to agree to your request for a meeting," the letter added.

In an angry response, Mrs Wright-Hogeland said: "In my view it is an affront to the victims of Neale and to the public for the Health Secretary to refuse a meeting or any assistance on the grounds that he is 'too busy' -- the greatest commitment should be to trying to ensure that patients are properly protected in the UK."

Last night a spokeswoman for the Department of Health stressed that ministers will "take appropriate action" once they have published the report.