Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

From 13 May, and following extensive testing and safety checks, we are pleased to confirm that handwashing and shower facilities are now reopening in phases across the west block at Darent Valley Hospital.

All available facilities within the west block will be clearly identified with signage.

Please continue to follow all signage and guidance carefully:
• Do NOT drink water from sinks within the hospital; only operational water fountains should be used for drinking water
• Handwashing sinks are for handwashing only
• Bottled water should continue to be used for drinking purposes

These measures remain important in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone within the hospital.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued cooperation during this water safety incident.

We’re proposing some changes to car parking tariffs at Darent Valley Hospital from 1 June 2026. These include updated charges in line with other NHS hospitals, a simpler pricing structure, and continued exemptions for eligible patients and visitors. We fully appreciate that parking is a key concern and remain committed to listening, being transparent, and improving where we can. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Please remember: A&E is for serious and life-threatening emergencies only -  like people with severe chest pains, serious head injuries, loss of consciousness or breathing difficulties. If your condition is not an emergency, please help us by choosing a more suitable service:

• Your local pharmacy
• NHS 111 – online or by phone
• Urgent Treatment Centres – for non-life-threatening conditions

Get the care you need quicker with Pharmacy First – no GP appointment needed.

90 per cent of pharmacists in Kent and Medway can assess and prescribe for seven common conditions:

• Sore throat (age 5+)
• Sinusitis (age 12+)
• Earache (ages 1 to 7)
• Urinary tract infections - UTIs (for women age 18 to 64)
• Impetigo (age 1+)
• Infected insect bites (age 1+)
• Shingles (age 18+)

Pharmacists can also advise on coughs, colds, aches and pains.

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.