THE long-awaited report into the activities of disgraced Kent GP Clifford Ayling was due to be published today.

An independent inquiry was commissioned in 2000 after Ayling, who practised in Cheriton, near Folkestone, was convicted of 13 charges of indecent assault against 10 of his patients.

It was set up to explore how the NHS dealt with complaints about the doctor.

Evidence was given of at least 28 episodes of serious concerns from patients and health professionals about Ayling which date back to 1971 with 69 former patients giving their experiences to the panel, chaired by High Court Judge Anna Pauffley QC.

The 200-page document, due to be presented to Parliament by Secretary of State for Health Dr John Reid, was expected to include recommendations in an effort to prevent it happening again.