Bosses at East Kent Hospitals say there will be "physical changes" after a watchdog took action as concerns were raised about care and the risk to patients.

Inspectors at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) paid a visit to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford on August 12.

The trust runs hospitals in Ashford , Margate , Canterbury , Dover and Folkestone - and is also at the centre of a major investigation into baby deaths .

Professor Ted Baker, CQC's chief inspector of hospitals, said: "As a result of serious concerns we have taken immediate enforcement action at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.

"CQC inspectors visited the trust on August 12 after concerns were raised about the standards of care and the risk to patients.

"As the trust has the right to appeal the action that we have taken, it would be inappropriate for CQC to comment further. However, we will publish our findings and action taken when the legal process allows.

"In the meantime CQC will continue to work closely with NHS England and other local stakeholders to support the trust."

However, the CQC declined to go into detail about the enforcement action.

A spokesman for East Kent Hospitals said: “Keeping our patients and staff safe is always our top priority.

"We have reviewed and are strengthening our procedures and training, overseen by an experienced director of infection prevention and control.

"We are asking our staff to always follow recommended guidance, are making further physical changes to our buildings to improve infection control and support social distancing, and have reported on this progress to the CQC, while being supported by NHS England and NHS Improvement.”

Read more: All the latest news from Kent