Postponed operations include knee and hip procedures, as well as surgery to help patients with pain and immobility, the Guardian reported.

West Kent CCG, which covers Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, is said to have gone ahead with the suspension in a bid to stay in line with its £472m annual budget.

Last night, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) warned that the decision was “unprecedented and unfair”.

Clare Marx, president of the RCS, added: “Patients, some of whom may be in severe discomfort or pain, should not wait longer for treatment because the CCG has run out of money.”

She also warned that some patients could deteriorate during the ban, leading to more expensive and complex treatment in the long term.