An orthopaedic surgeon is under investigation by police and the medical standards body over payments for operations.

The inquiries relate to procedures carried out by Suhaib Sait during his time as a consultant at Fawkham Manor Hospital in Manor Lane, Longfield.

He has not worked at Fawkham since July 2016, having been suspended after concerns were raised about his work, and a spokesman for the private hospital said that arrangements had been made for patients to be seen by other consultants.

“Our priorities are the safety and care of our patients and their confidence in us to always act in their best interests,” they continued.

“We have a process for dealing with any issues that are brought to our attention, which may include internal or externally-conducted investigations carried out within the hospital or across agencies involved in the issue.

“In all cases, we seek to establish the facts and whether there are any policies or practices at the hospital that need to change.

“We have a dedicated phone number – 0800 096 2254 – that any patient can call if they have concerns following an article that they have read or heard about in the media.”

No concerns about any members of staff at Fawkham Manor Hospital were raised during its most recent Care Quality Commission inspection, which took place in December 2013.

The report published the following month said that the hospital treated people with care and respect, met people’s needs and kept them safe, and also praised the staffing and management.

“Our priorities are the safety and care of our patients and their confidence in us to always act in their best interests" - Fawkham Manor spokesman

Despite the investigation relating to his work at Fawkham, Mr Sait is continuing to practise at Darent Valley Hospital.

“We are aware there is an investigation at the BMI hospital, Fawkham Manor, in relation to work carried out there by the orthopaedic surgeon Mr Sait,” said a Darent Valley spokesman.

“As such, these allegations relate to his private practice; we are in close liaison with the team there and await the outcome of their formal investigation.

“We will at all times act appropriately taking into account any evidence that is presented to the Trust.

“Interim restrictions on his practice were put in place pending an investigation by the GMC of complaints from two patients previously managed by him in the private sector.

“We are enabling and monitoring Mr Sait’s full compliance with extended practice around the process of chaperoning when he sees any female patient.

“We have not received any concerns about Mr Sait’s work at the Trust that have caused us to further restrict his practice.”

Police said that no arrests had been made and that enquiries were continuing.