A priest is under investigation over allegations he took advantage of vulnerable patients during his work as a nurse.

Stephen Sheridan, who worked at Stone Cross, near Pevensey, until last summer, is accused of behaving inappropriately with patients between 2002 and 2010 while working for the NHS in Worthing.

The Diocese of Chichester has provided a report to the nursing watchdog, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which is leading the investigation into Mr Sheridan, who is accused of misconduct.

Barnaby Hone, acting on behalf of the NMC, said Mr Sheridan used his position in the church to act in an inappropriate way and that his behaviour was “sexually motivated”.

Mr Sheridan was ordained as a priest by the Diocese of Chichester in 2007.

In 2008 he is said to have behaved “inappropriately” to a 16-year-old “vulnerable” girl who attended the church he preached at, including sending her text messages, a birthday card.

And he is accused of starting a sexual relationship with a patient who was being treated at Meadowfield psychiatric hospital in Worthing in 2002.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs mental health services across the county, said it sacked Mr Sheridan when the allegations were made.

Mr Sheridan is now working in St Asaph in Wales.

The Bishop of St Asaph, The Reverend Canon Michael R Balkwill, said officials had launched an investigation after the allegations were made against Mr Sheridan.

He said: “This review concluded that there was no substantial risk of future misconduct, and the Bishop of St Asaph has permitted Mr Sheridan to continue his ministry under appropriate professional supervision until the completion of his current licence in June 2014.”