THE new chief executive of Northallerton health services NHS trust faces a tough challenge as he strives to regain the public's confidence in the Friarage hospital.

But, speaking to the D&S Times, Mr Bruce Skilbeck reveals he is not daunted by the task ahead.

Despite taking the reigns in the aftermath of the Neale scandal and the very public dismissal of consultant gynaecologist Mr Neil Hebblethwaite, Mr Skilbeck remains positive about the future.

"My first impressions of the place are good. It has a nice feel to it,'' said the 54-year-old, who lives in Consett.

"Despite everything that's been going on, the staff seem well motivated and extremely enthusiastic. The place is clinically very sound, there's no doubt about that. Looking at it from 20-plus years' experience the care is good.''

Mr Skilbeck takes over from Mr Tony Bruce who has now gone on secondment to oversee what duties the Hambleton and Richmondshire primary care group trust should take on.

Mr Skilbeck's position is temporary until March 2002, when Northallerton health services trust will cease to exist in its present form.

He has spent the last five years working in Inverness as chief executive of the Western Isles health board - the equivalent of the health authority. He also did some work as chief executive of the Orkney health board. His new role is his third post as a chief executive.

Mr Skilbeck confessed that before taking on the new role, the only details he knew about the Neale case were what he had read in the newspapers.

Since he took over, however, he has made it his business to find out more.

"All I knew is what I had read in the papers but it did not put me off working here,'' he said.

The hospital has been constantly under the spotlight after it was revealed its former head of maternity was struck off in Canada following the death of a patient.

It has also been criticised for its handling of the situation after giving the consultant gynaecologist a good reference and a substantial pay off.

Mr Neale was struck off earlier this year after the General Medical Council found him guilty of botching operations on women patients.

His victims have been fighting ever since for a public inquiry into the hospital's handling of the case and its response to his former patients.

Mr Skilbeck said he would continue work on getting help for the women. He also said work was pressing ahead with a helpline and other issues to help resolve outstanding complaints.

"I will hopefully be trying to make sure that everything happens in the way that everybody expects it to happen for the people who have been affected by the Richard Neale situation.

"I don't see this as a pressure on me. It is more a responsibility for me to help these people as quickly as possible,'' he said.

He emphasised that it was now time to look to the future. "I cannot comment on what's gone before. I do not see any real mileage in casting or not casting blame. It is more important to take it forward now.''

He accepts that his appointment will not automatically restore public confidence in the hospital but feels if he can demonstrate that things are moving forward with the Neale case it will be a start.

"It seems to me that there is a certain community pride in the place and that pride is well-founded. We have a very high quality public service here. That is the way to build public confidence.''

He confirmed that Mr Neil Hebblethwaite, the consultant gynaecologist dismissed for having an affair with a woman patient, had lodged an appeal to get his job back.

"What we must now do is set up the process to handle that and that will go ahead in the near future. The board will have to consider the findings of that appeal process.

"I am aware from reading the local papers of the public interest and about the issues surrounding it but it is not appropriate for me to comment. I can only assure the public that the trust will deal with this situation in the proper and appropriate manner.''

He denies that former chief executive Mr Tony Bruce left because of the Neale and Hebblethwaite scandals.

"I was approached to see if I would take the post on a short-term basis as Tony Bruce was going to be taking on board the development of the PCT in the area.

"Tony has embarked on an exciting piece of work and I want to give him as much support from this organisation as I can.''

The work undertaken by the League of Friends at the hospital has amazed Mr Skilbeck. "They have raised a phenomenal amount of money. I am used to working with really active people but these people seem to be past masters at raising cash. I am amazed and delighted with what they are doing.''

The developing partnership with the Ministry of Defence also received praise from Mr Skilbeck.

However, despite being impressed with his new surroundings, he has no plans to move from the home he shares with his wife in Consett. With two grown children, he is devoted to his three dogs and is a lifelong Sunderland fan.

He said he will probably retire in March 2002 but first intends to see the Friarage rise above the adverse publicity and move towards a more positive future