A health watchdog has started "enforcement actions" against a medical practice.

In a statement this afternoon, Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said St Mary's Island Surgery was being dealt with by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It is unclear at this stage what action is being taken and what has occurred at the practice to lead to it.

A special helpline has been established with concerned patients encouraged to get in touch.

CCG chief nurse Sarah Vaux said: “We are aware the CQC has started enforcement actions against St Mary’s Island Surgery in Chatham.

“The CCG is working with NHS England, the CQC and the practice to ensure patient safety and quality of care are maintained for people registered at the practice.

“No further details can be released at this stage of the process, however, the CCG has established a helpline for any patient who may wish to discuss their own treatment.

"This is open from 8am until 5pm Monday to Friday and the number is 01634 335281, alternatively email mccg.enquiries@nhs.net. The helpline will also be open this Saturday and Sunday.

“The GP surgery is open as usual. Patients are reminded they can also obtain health advice from a pharmacy or by calling 111.

"They are also eligible to attend the walk-in centre at Balmoral Gardens, Gillingham, or in an emergency call 999 or visit the emergency department.”

In March 2016, the surgery was rated 'inadequate' by the CQC and placed into special measures following an inspection.

The team discovered vaccines were not being stored properly, blank prescription forms were not kept securely and the practice could not demonstrate it was following infection control guidelines.

Recruitment checks were not being carried out and staff were not up-to-date with training.

Patients told the CQC they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect but the practice scored lower than average on satisfaction scores for consultations.

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

At 4.15pm when our sister paper the Messenger called the surgery, which has more than 3,300 people on its books, an answerphone message said it was closed.