The doctor in charge of a medical practice currently under investigation by a health watchdog has stepped down.

Dr Stephen Lawrence, who runs the St Mary's Island Surgery in Chatham, has agreed to relinquish his duties.

His decision comes after the Care Quality Commission announced a fortnight ago that it had started "enforcement actions" against the health centre.

It remains unclear what has prompted the action which followed an inspection by CQC officers.

Sarah Vaux, chief nurse at the Medway Clinical Commissioning Group,said patient safety and quality of care was of paramount importance.

She said: "Dr Lawrence has agreed to step down from the practice and temporary alternative provider - DMC Healthcare - has been brought in to ensure services continue to be available for patients St Mary's Island Surgery."

The CQC is working with NHS England, the Local Medical Committee and the CCG, the service provider, to address that matter at the practice, which remains open as usual.

A helpline has been set up for its 3,000 patients to contact with any concerns.

A statement from the CCG said: "Patient safety and quality of care are of the utmost importance and we are doing everything possible to ensure this is maintained for people registered at the practice.

Patients can call us if they have any concerns about their treatment. As well as making appointments at the surgery, patients can also obtain health advice from a pharmacy or by calling 111

They can also attend the walk-in centre at Balmoral Gardens, Gillingham.

A spokesman for the CQC said it would not comment pending an inquiry, but a report is due to be published in about a month's time.

In March 2016, the surgery was rated "inadequate" by the watchdog and placed into special measures.

However, inspectors returned six months later and the practice was found to have improved so much, it received an overall "good" rating.

Dr Lawrence is a clinical lead in Chatham for the Primary Care Diabetes Society. He trains healthcare professionals wishing to advance to supplementary or independent prescribing status.