TWO surgeons controversially suspended at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary will remain off work for at least another month.

Professor Zygmunt Krukowski, The Queen's surgeon in Scotland, and his colleague Wendy Craig, have been at the centre of an online campaign to have them reinstated since they went off work at the end of May.

It is alleged the decision follows efforts by the pair to raise concerns about issues at the hospital.

The Dignity at Work policy sets out conditions to ensure effective working practice as well as fair and consistent treatment for all employees at NHS Grampian.

Professor Krukowski, 67, is a member of the team which looks after the Royal Family when they stay at Balmoral.

He is also involved in training up the next generation of medical professionals teaching undergraduates at Aberdeen University, but has not been holding lectures because they are based at the city hospital.

Senior clinicians at NHS Grampian wrote a letter to the Health Secretary Shona Robison urging the Scottish Government to intervene and past and current patients launched an online petition backing the calls.

It has now emerged that the two cancer specialists - who have saved many patients' lives during their careers - were told this week that their suspensions would be extended until the end of the month.

Professor Jamie Weir, the chairman of new patient support group PACT said patients would be affected.

He said: "It's a real shame for all concerned that a further month's extension of suspension for both these surgeons has been made.

"Not only will it add to their distress but patients will also be denied their expertise during this time."

The letter sent to Health Secretary Shona Robison last month was signed by 23 clinicians. NHS Grampian declined to comment.