Hospital officials are investigating claims that the transfer of a gravely ill patient from Ashford to the Kent and Canterbury Hospital contributed to her death.

Concerned nurse Petra Terpilowski told a health meeting in Faversham how staff had debated where best to treat the woman.

She was said to have initially been seen at Ashford’s William Harvey before being ruled “medically stable” and moved to the K&C, where her condition deteriorated.

Mrs Terpilowski said: “Doctors had to argue with William Harvey to send the patient back because acute medicine has gone from K&C.

“The lady died at William Harvey. It is unclear if she would have lived if services were still at K&C, but treatment was definitely delayed due to transport and arguments.”

Emergency patients destined for the K&C are now diverted to the William Harvey after Health Education England pulled junior doctors from the Canterbury site last month.

Bill Millar, from the Canterbury and Coastal Clinical Commissioning Group, responded to the claims at the meeting.

“It is very sad to hear that news about that particular patient,” he said.

“All of the changes put forward were all about safety and we very carefully worked to plan these changes.

“Naturally, any incident that has been reported will clearly need looking into.

“There were additional transport facilities put on because we anticipated the need for additional journeys.”

East Kent Hospitals Trust spokesman Steve James said an investigation had started.

He said: “The trust takes all concerns raised extremely seriously and investigates them so we can work to address any issues for patients and staff.

“We are investigating this allegation and are working with staff to identify the issues that have caused this concern and we will continue to work with staff to make any changes to improve care if needed.”