A LEADING QC who headed an inquiry into one of Britain's most shocking medical scandals has offered to help victims of shamed surgeon Richard Neale.

Jean Ritchie led a year-long inquiry into the case of Kent consultant Rodney Ledward, who was struck off the medical register in 1998 after his botched operations left women scarred and emotionally damaged.

Campaigners fighting for justice over the Neale affair say Mrs Ritchie has indicated she would front a similar inquiry into the case of the North Yorkshire surgeon.

Former patients have fought for a public inquiry since Mr Neale was struck off by the General Medical Council last year.

The consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, who worked at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, was found guilty of 34 out of 35 allegations made against him.

Graham Maloney, spokesman for the patients' support group, said Mrs Ritchie had confirmed that she would be prepared to lead an inquiry if approached by the Department of Health.

Mr Maloney said the idea had been welcomed by the Government's Chief Medical Officer, Liam Donaldson.

"A lot of the issues raised in the Neale case are very similar to those in the Rodney Ledward case and the person who led that inquiry was Jean Ritchie," he said.

"She made some excellent recommendations about the system which will be beneficial to those patients and those of Richard Neale.

"It is wonderful news that she said she would be delighted to cover the Neale saga, which has so many aspects. It is important for us to get someone who is not only legally trained, but who has done this type of investigation before."

The inquiry into the Ledward case said a climate of fear and intimidation where consultants were considered "gods" had allowed the gynaecologist to botch operations for 16 years.

www.thisisthenortheast. co.uk/news/neale