More than 1,400 patients are receiving letters this morning urging them to visit their GP amid allegations an unqualified nurse has been working in Medway.

A 46-year-old woman, who worked at four GP practices in the Towns, has been arrested on suspicion of fraud.

The woman, who has a background as a healthcare assistant, worked at surgeries in Chatham, Gillingham, Brompton and Wigmore between August 2006 and September 2010.

Around 1,470 patients who she treated during this time have been called back to their GP surgeries for check-ups by NHS Medway.

Hundreds of children and adults who were given routine and travel vaccinations will have to be vaccinated again. Around 350 women will need to be re-tested for cervical cancer because the 46-year-old carried out their last smear test.

NHS Medway said it has received no complaints regarding the former employee, but would not reveal how the allegations came to light.

the woman worked at:

dr ss aly and pb raval (formerly dr khan/dr phiroz), new road, chatham, between august 1, 2006 and end of september, 2010

dr bn singh, brompton medical centre, garden street, brompton, between june 24, 2008 and january 9, 2009

dr s b bhasme, railway street, gillingham, november 13, 2006 and end of february, 2007

dr skc patel and partners, woodside, wigmore, between september 14, 2006 and september 19, 2006

if patients are concerned, or they would like further information, they can call the nhs helpline on 0345 6029904 from 8am to 7pm, monday to friday.

The woman, who is from Brecon, in Wales, has not worked in Medway since September 2010 and is no longer working in healthcare. She is currently on police bail while investigations continue.

Dr James Thallon, medical co-director for NHS Kent and Medway, said: "Our investigations have not found any problems with the work this person has carried out and there is no reason to believe that there has been any harm to anyone's health.

"We have also checked and we are not aware of any complaints about this person at any stage during their employment.

"As a purely precautionary measure we have written to some patients individually to invite them to be seen again.

"Patients can be reassured that if they have not received a letter they do not need to do anything further.

"I want to reassure patients that we are doing everything possible to protect their safety."

NHS Medway has asked all GP surgeries across Medway to carry out checks on all of its nursing staff.

Have you been affected? Phone the newsroom on 01634227803.