Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Features in this edition:

• New stroke care unit opens at Darent Valley Hospital
• DGT is the first in the South East to sign UNISON’s anti-racism charter
• We are transforming care with innovation and patient-centered solutions
• DGT holds its first Health Inequalities Forum

NHS services are very busy at the moment. It's important to come forward with any health concerns but you can help ease the pressure by choosing the right service. 

Emergency departments are currently extremely busy treating high numbers of patients. This service is for those who need it most – like people with severe chest pains, serious head injuries, loss of consciousness or breathing difficulties.

Please help us to protect emergency departments by using an alternative service if you have a less serious condition.

We kindly ask that when contacting the hospital, and if you have been given an extension number, please call the switchboard (01322 428100) and enter the extension number when asked to do so.  Please do not just add the extension number to the end of the main hospital number. If you’re unsure or having trouble getting through, it’s always best to call our main switchboard on 01322 428100, and they’ll direct you to the correct department. Thank you

For seven common conditions, your pharmacist can now provide treatment and some prescription medicine, if needed, without seeing a GP. 

Think pharmacy first.

Find out more: nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst

Our A&E is very busy. Please only attend in an emergency. Non-emergent cases can face significant waiting times to be seen and treated. 

If you’re unsure, visit http://111.nhs.uk to find the right service and advice for your health needs.  

You can also visit an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) for minor injuries or see a pharmacist, depending on your medical need. 

To find your closest UTC, click here.

To find your local pharmacy, click here.

Parking spaces at the hospital are extremely limited. To avoid congestion or waiting for a space, we recommend that you consider visiting the hospital via public transport where possible. Peak hours are from 9am - 3pm.

Parking is FREE for blue badge holders. There is a dedicated car park for Blue Badge holders although this gets very busy. Please avoid queueing for this car park and use one of the other car parks. You then just need to take your Blue Badge to the parking office who will validate your parking ticket.

Come and join us, we are seeking Clinical Leads, Sisters, Charge Nurses, Midwives, Nurses, Health Care Assistants and many more......