One in three referrals from NHS hospitals and community trusts to the newly established advisory body on doctors' performance is about a surgeon, preliminary figures have shown.

Of the 187 referrals made by chief executives and medical directors to the National Clinical Assessment Authority since it was set up in April 2001, 65 have been surgeons.

The authority, which covers England only, was established as part of the government's drive to ensure quality standards in the NHS. Its aim is to provide a support service …