SEVEN years after patients of disgraced surgeon Richard Neale formed an action group, new victims are still coming forward.

Sheila Wright-Hogeland, founder of the Northallerton-based group, revealed that injured women are continuing to seek help.

She told Feargal Keene, presenter of the Radio 4 programme Taking A Stand, that "three more just rang up to join the group this past week." Mrs Wright-Hogeland, who lives near Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, told how the group she helped to form succeeded in getting the rogue surgeon struck off by the General Medical Council in 2000 after botching a string of operations and leaving many women injured.

Millions of listeners heard her condemn British medical authorities for allowing a dangerous surgeon to continue to operate on hundreds of women despite being struck off in Canada.

Mrs Wright-Hogeland, who had to have an emergency operation to remove her womb after Mr Neale neglected her for six years, expressed concern that the surgeon would be able to apply to rejoin the medical register in the summer of 2005.

"I just hope to goodness he will not be allowed back," she told listeners.

Mrs Wright-Hogeland told The Northern Echo that she was particularly concerned at the delay in publishing the inquiry report into the Neale scandal.

"I think the delay is totally unacceptable. It was bad enough that the inquiry was held behind closed doors. The ladies in our group want to see the report."

The interview was recorded in November and since then a total of seven victims of the former Friarage Hospital gynaecologist have contacted the support group.

"Most of the women are from North Yorkshire, I have just had a heart-rending letter from someone near Northallerton. She says she is full of anger and bitterness that part of her life has been taken away from her. She wants action now," she added.

Mrs Wright-Hogeland told listeners she had devoted five years of her life to the campaign to bring Mr Neale to justice.

"I would do it again tomorrow," she said.

Officials from the Neale inquiry have blamed delays on the need to take late evidence.

The General Medical Council has stressed that doctors struck off for serious misconduct are unlikely to be reinstated.

Anyone who wishes to comment about the Radio 4 programme should ring 0800 044 044. BBC Radio York's Jonathon Cowper would also like to hear from victims of Richard Neale for his 12 noon to 2pm discussion programme today Ring 0845 3003000..