Doctors' surgeries are being ask to carry out checks on their employees after allegations a bogus nurse worked in Medway for more than four years.

The request comes after the arrest of Denise Stewart, 46 – on suspicion of fraud – who was employed at four practices between 2006 and 2010.

More than 500 children and 600 adults who Stewart vaccinated may have to have their jabs again.

Letters have also been sent to 341 women who will need to be retested for cervical cancer because she carried out their last smear test.

Dr Caroline Jessel, assistant medical director for NHS Kent and Medway, said: "We take patient safety very seriously and have asked all Kent and Medway GPs to carry out the new enhanced checks, available through the Nursing and Midwifery Council on their practice nurses. This work is being carried out at the moment."

NHS bosses said these additional checks may be extended to all GP practice employees.

Stewart formerly lived with her soldier husband Andy in Great Lines, Brompton, but now lives in Brecon, Wales. She is on police bail while investigations continue.