A PLASTIC surgeon, who operated on thousands of people at a Preston hospital, has been told he cannot practise as a doctor for at least six months.

Following a year-long investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC), plastic surgeon David Herbert, who operated on patients at Broughton Park Private Hospital, in Durton Lane, (a member of the NICSO) has had his registration suspended.

The GMC's Professional Performance committee found the 63-year-old surgeon's "performance was seriously deficient" in a number of areas, including assessment of patients, investigation and treatment.

In a determination hearing, Mr Herbert -- known as the 'Flying Doctor' by fellow surgeons and patients because of his reputation for fast work -- was told by the chairman of the committee: "A period of retraining is necessary before your registration is reviewed.

"The committee have therefore determined that it is necessary for the protection of members of the public."

However the committee recognised that Mr Herbert had "for many years been isolated from his professional peers", and noted that he had been already been suspended for a year while the investigation took place.

The investigation follows dozens of complaints to the GMC, dating back to 1997, from a number of the doctor's patients who spent thousands of pounds on cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance.

One of them, Linda Bullock, 49, paid £4,600 for a face-lift and surgery to her lips and eyes by Mr Herbert, at the former West Cliff Clinic, in Preston, in July 1998.

Commenting on the GMC's verdict Miss Bullock said: "I am very pleased. At least he has been stopped from doing this to anyone else.

"It's just a shame it wasn't done years ago. I went to him to improve my looks and came away looking awful. He's destroyed my life."

In reaching their decision the committee considered an assessment report on Mr Herbert containing evidence from former patients. Evidence was also collected from other local doctors and health care professionals with specific knowledge of his practice.

Among the catalogue of damning evidence against him, the committee discovered Mr Herbert sometimes "consulted without medical records", "performed operations without assistance and adequate monitoring" and "did not maintain the skills required to treat patients in emergencies".

Another former patient from Leyland went to Mr Herbert for lazer treatment in March 1998 costing almost £1,500. In a previous interview with the Citizen she recalled how his operation had left her with a two-tone appearance, and said: "I've been on anti-depressants and don't go out any more. He's ruined my life."

Many of Mr Herbert's operations were carried out at Broughton Park Private Hospital. Managing director of the hospital Linda Hanson declined to comment yesterday, but last year when the investigation was launched, she confirmed that he had worked for NICSO for almost seven years and said they had had no reason for complaint during that time.

Mr Herbert's suspension will be reviewed by the GMC after six months. He has until November 1 to challenge the order. Mr Herbert, who now lives in Newark, Nottinghamshire, declined to comment.