TODAY, we publish a harrowing account of daily life for Pat Looms, a former patient of disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale.

It graphically illustrates the depth of despair facing the women who had the misfortune to be treated by him.

When patients see a doctor, they place a great deal of trust in his judgement and skills. Richard Neale betrayed that trust.

Patients also place a great deal of trust in the National Health Service, which employs that doctor.

It is only right and proper that the NHS bears responsibility for the incompetence of one of its doctors.

It was the NHS which employed Richard Neale in the first place, after he was struck off in Canada following the death of a patient.

And it was the NHS which allowed him to continue treating women despite serious concerns about his record at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital.

Richard Neale has at long last been held to account for his actions. So, too, should the NHS.

The duty of care the NHS owes Richard Neale's patients continues. It did not end with the decision last year to strike him off the register.

That decision did not end the pain and discomfort for Pat Looms and many other women who suffered at the hands of Richard Neale.

After taking so long to take appropriate action against Richard Neale, the NHS must act with some urgency to make amends.

We applaud the decision to offer corrective surgery and other treatments to those who have been victims of Richard Neale.

It will go some way to compensate many women who feel betrayed and let down by our health service.

Marks & Spender

IT is unrealistic to expect bonuses not to be a factor in remuneration packages for senior directors.

But for them to be credible, they must be linked to performance and profitability.

The highlights of Marks & Spencer chief executive Luc Vandevelde's year in office have been falling sales, falling profits, falling share price, job losses and store closures.

That this abject company performance merits Mr Vandevelde a £700,000 bonus on top of a £650,000 basic salary beggars belief.

And while his fellow directors might argue that they can reward the chief executive as they see fit, they should ask themselves if such an incredible bonus system will stem the drift of shoppers away from M&S.