CAMPAIGNERS have written to Health Secretary Alan Milburn to complain about delays in investigating the Richard Neale affair - one of the largest medical scandals in the history of the NHS.

On the day Mr Milburn announced a major shake-up of the NHS designed to reduce red-tape and delay, campaigners say they are appalled at the lack of progress towards a public inquiry.

It is nearly two years since Northallerton Community Health Council called for a public inquiry into the activities of the former Friarage consultant, yet there is still no confirmation of an inquiry.

Simon John - the lawyer who represents most of surgeon's victims - also criticised the failure of the Department of Health to acknowledge his formal call for a public inquiry, despite a wait of seven weeks.

Apart from a number of deaths he said the case involved "shocking injuries", including more than 40 women who have bowel or urinary incontinence.

In some cases the injuries amounted to "female circumcision", said Mr John.

"In total, there are about 100 people contemplating litigation and more than 200 members of the group, all of whom feel they have suffered at the hands of Mr Neale," he said.

Graham Maloney, spokesman for the victims' support group, said: "It is a disgrace that this is taking so long."

Read more about the Neale inquiry here.