Former locum histopathologist Dr James Elwood will be interviewed in Swindon by the Commission for Health Improvement next week.

The meeting forms part of a programme by the independent government body, whose task it is to review procedures and systems to prevent a repeat of mistakes which led to the misdiagnosis of 222 patients, at least three of whom are facing life-threatening cancers which went undetected.

CHI spokeswoman Monique Warnock said it would be questioning Dr Elwood, 78, about circumstances leading up to the misdiagnoses in an attempt to find out how the mistakes were made.

She said: "We will be giving Dr Elwood the chance to add his input to the investigation."

Dr Elwood, who now lives in Surrey, removed himself from the medical register when the scandal broke. He worked at Princess Margaret Hospital on 21 occasions for between one and two weeks at a time, covering for holidays taken by other staff in the department.

The CHI has also been interviewing former patients, the Community Health Council and hospital trusts where Dr Elwood worked, including Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust.

It is keen to contact anyone else who wants to discuss their experiences of being treated by Dr Elwood.

A total of 7,079 tissue samples taken between January 1994 and February 1999 had to be re-examined as part of Swindon and Marlborough Trust's internal inquiry into the blunders.

Anyone wanting to arrange a meeting with the CHI can contact investigations manager Anne Grosskurth on 02074489200.

All interviews will be treated in confidence. The CHI is expected to publish its findings in the year. Its recommendations will form national policy.