THE Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, is pressing Health Secretary Mr Alan Milburn for action in the wake of disgraced consultant Mr Richard Neale being struck off.

Comments describing the case as a scandal were made by Mr Blair's constituency assistant. They came as the Friarage hospital has revealed it will set up a helpline for the women victims of Mr Neale.

Mr John Burton, assistant to Mr Blair, has written to the support group in response to a letter they had sent calling for a public inquiry.

Mr Graham Maloney, representing the Richard Neale Action Group, said that Mr Burton had said scandal was not a word he used often but in this case it was appropriate.

"He said he was writing on behalf of Tony Blair and that he would be writing to Alan Milburn on our behalf. He said that it was unacceptable that a doctor like that was allowed to practice for so long," said Mr Maloney.

However, he said that he and the women members of the group welcomed proposals by the Friarage hospital to set up a helpline for victims of the hospital's former head of maternity.

He said: "We met with Tony Bruce and Johnny Wardle from the trust for two hours on Monday and it was a very positive meeting.

"This is the first and only positive step we have had, which if it happens will be a major step forward. At least it has been recognised now the need for a helpline and the need for these ladies to come in and discuss their problems."

The chief executive of Northallerton Health Services Trust, Mr Tony Bruce, said: "We have agreed to work towards a helpline that will be staffed by a gynaecologist, hopefully with an interest in uro-gynaecology, so that ladies who are concerned could ring and discuss problems," said Mr Bruce.

The idea behind the helpline is that it be tailored to meet individual needs rather than provide just counselling.

"The helpline will be acting as a gateway. Some people may need counselling, others may need further surgery. It gives access to a range of support services which will include counselling," Mr Bruce explained.

"The trust is keen to provide these ladies with a service which meets their individual needs. It is not a one size fits all solution. These are individual cases that have individual needs."

Mr Bruce said the project was a major priority. The helpline decision comes after Northallerton and District Community Health Council said a counselling service should be provided for the women and that it should be funded by the trust as well as other health services.

Ms Val Stangoe, from the CHC, said: "We fully support what the trust is doing. But we ask the health authority and NHS executive to see what they can put into this financially.