A doctor hailed as "helpful", "professional" and "kind" has handed in her notice after 10 years at the helm of a medical practice in Lydd.

GP Selina Swann, who runs Orchard House Surgery, has resigned from the medical centre in Bleak Road which serves more than 4,000 patients.

It has been announced the health leader is stepping down with effect from today.

A statement on the surgery's website reads: "Dr Swann has taken the decision to resign from Orchard House Surgery with effect from May 28.

"The surgery will be run by four GP's who run successful practices in the area. The service will remain the same."

Dr Swann's comment adds: "Serving the community as a GP for the last 10 years has been both a pleasure and a privilege.

"It is with deep regret and sadness I have made the difficult decision not to return to Orchard House Surgery.

"I understand this decision will be disappointing.

"This was not a decision I imagined making, nor has it been an easy one."

She went on to explain the future of the centre: "The surgery will be run by a group of local GPs who will be able to continue providing excellent care and uphold the reputation of the surgery.

"I have watched many families grow and have shared times of both great sorrow and joy with many of you" - GP Selina Swann

"I know these GPs and trust them to carry on the work I started at the surgery, striving to improve the services offered at Orchard House, while offering patient centred care."

She continued: "I have watched many families grow and have shared times of both great sorrow and joy with many of you.

"These memories will stay with me and I will carry my experiences throughout my career.

"I am sorry I have not been able to say goodbye in person; this does not mean my leaving feels any less significant.

"If you have any queries or concerns about your care, please contact the surgery in the normal way."

The exact reasons for her resignation are not known.

The news of Dr Swann's departure has been met with shock and sadness on social media, with those who knew her thanking her for her work and wishing her luck for the future.

The practice is currently rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its last inspection took place last March.

It was previously put in special measures in 2016 after a report by inspectors found the Romney Marsh practice as 'inadequate' overall.

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