A doctor struck off following a series of botched operations says he hopes to work again in the NHS.

The disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale, said he would not rule out a return to NHS work, but admitted it would have to be cleared at the highest level.

Mr Neale, was banned from either operating or treating patients in July 2000 after he was found guilty of 34 charges.

A GMC hearing heard that he had botched the care of his female patients leaving 15 of them in pain, incontinent or unable to bear children.

I feel dreadful remorse about any patients who may have been hurt by my hand

Richard Neale

Apology

He apologised to the women whose care he had bungled, but said it would be a waste of his skills if he were not allowed to continue working in the NHS in an administrative capacity.

"I feel dreadful remorse about any patients who may have been hurt by my hand."

The GMC struck Mr Neale off last year

Neale said he still suffered nightmares and was very remorseful.

"I still have nightmares about it and I am sure I shall do for the rest of my days.

"I feel full of remorse, humiliated and ashamed of what has happened to me.

"Nevertheless it does seem to be that I am to try to make ammends.

"The Department of Health does seem to have deliberately interfered to prevent me reconciling myself with the NHS and an honest attempt to restore not only my own confidence in myself, but other peoples' trust in me."

Last week it emerged that just a year after the ban Mr Neale, 54, found work again in the NHS at the South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Between August 2001 and April 2002 he held an administrative post in clinical audit.

In his first interview he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he had been studying for a Masters Degree and that it "would be an awful shame if that was not used."

But he stressed that he did not wish to return to clinical work.

"I fully understand the concerns of the public.

"I have no wish to return to clinical medicine now, but that does not mean I have no contribution to make.

"Patients should have no fears about my activities. My work is largely of an academic nature."

He said that he knew a decision on his career would have to be taken by the Department of Health, but said he hoped to continue working within the NHS.

"There needs to be some decision at the highest level."

But he admitted that if they declined then that would be it.

Banned

Mr Neale, who was already banned from working in Canada, was struck off the medical register by the GMC, after nearly 15 years of botched operations.

Most of the incidents happened at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

He also worked in Leicester and at the private Portland Hospital, in London.

He said that South Manchester University Hospitals Trust had been aware of his past, but that despite this they still offered him an administrative post at the Wythenshawe Hospital.

Patients

Vanessa Bourne, of the Patients' Association, said that Neale's appointment sent the wrong message to doctors as well as patients.

And Sheila Wright-Hogeland, one of his victims who has set up a support group for those damaged by Mr Neale's work, said his nightmares were nothing compared to those who suffered the botched operations.

Mrs Wright-Hogeland was horrified by the idea that he might return to the NHS in any capacity.

"I find it deplorable that Richard Neale has been re-employed by the NHS and I find everything he said very egocentric.

"I don't detect any remorse or regret for any of the appalling injuries he inflicted on countless women."

"He seems in fact completely unable to recognise or acknowledge his own shortcomings."

Hospital

Last week the trust confirmed it had employed Neale on a temporary contract.

A spokesman said: "He held a junior administrative post in the clinical audit department for nine months.

"He had no clinical responsibilities and no contact with patients.

"Mr Neale's employment was terminated by the trust in April."