Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 8DAContact details and Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
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Reviews
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Review titled They truly care
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 09 August 2024
They treated my husband’s head injury with care and understanding. Working swiftly and efficiently and when he started getting anxiety they were very professional and helpful, calming him down and giving him the support he needed. Family is also treated with respect and kindness. Thank you so much.
Visited Accident and emergency services on August 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 13 August 2024
Dear Valued Family Member, Thank you for your heartfelt feedback. We’re so glad to hear that your husband received the care and understanding he needed during such a challenging time. Our team is committed to providing swift, professional, and compassionate care, not just for our patients but for their families as well. It’s wonderful to know that we were able to support both your husband and your family, helping to ease his anxiety and ensuring you all felt respected and cared for. Your kind words will be shared with the team, and I know they will appreciate knowing how much their efforts meant to you. Thank you once again for sharing your experience with us. We wish your husband a smooth recovery and send our best wishes to you and your family. With gratitude, Darent Valley Hospital
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Review titled Brilliant service
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Eleanor Fusher - Posted on 10 August 2024
My daughter had a baby by caesarean at Darent this week. Everyone in the department was great. The service she received from the doctors, midwives and nurses at the baby care unit was exceptional. Can’t thank them enough.
Visited Maternity services on August 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 13 August 2024
Dear Eleanor, Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that your daughter received exceptional care during her caesarean and that the doctors, midwives, and nurses in our baby care unit were able to support your family during this special time. It is truly heartwarming to know that our team's efforts made a positive impact on your daughter’s experience. I will be sure to pass on your gratitude to everyone involved, as they will be thrilled to know that their dedication is appreciated. Congratulations on the new addition to your family! We wish you, your daughter, and your new grandchild all the best. With warm regards, Darent Valley Hospital
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Review titled Wonderful Care
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Pauline Regan - Posted on 12 August 2024
I very recently was sent to A and E by my GP who suspected I had broken or fractured my hip. The treatment I received was really wonderful. I had to stay in overnight and despite being relentlessly busy they made me as comfortable as possible. I would like to say thank you for the care and patience I was treated with. I appreciate everything they did for me.
Visited Accident and emergency services on August 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 13 August 2024
Dear Pauline, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are truly pleased to hear that you felt well cared for during your visit to A&E. Our team works hard to ensure that every patient receives the best possible care, especially during challenging and busy times. It means a great deal to us that you felt comfortable and supported throughout your stay. Your kind words will certainly be shared with the entire team, and I know they will appreciate hearing how much their efforts made a difference for you. We wish you a smooth and speedy recovery, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything further. With warm regards, Darent Valley Hospital
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Review titled Terrible
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 09 July 2024
Visited an and e on a Sunday and after 5 hours discharged with codeine. I was in such a bad way I went back on Monday for another 5 hour wait and was discharged with antibiotics for a “suspected uti” which has spread to my kidneys. Firstly the uti should have been checked on my first visit - they totally failed me Secondly I still have my reservations about giving someone antibiotics if the UTI isn’t confirmed.
Visited Accident and emergency services on July 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 11 July 2024
Dear Anonymous We are sorry to hear about your experience and understand your concerns. The Emergency Department is designed to handle life-threatening emergencies and serious accidents - patients are triaged and seen in order of their priority. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, we recommend contacting NHS 111 for advice and direction on the best course of action. This can help ensure you receive timely and appropriate care. Thank you for your feedback. If you have further concerns, please contact our PALS team directly. They can be contacted via telephone: 01322 428382 or email: dgn-tr.PALS@nhs.net. Kind regards Darent Valley Hospital
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Review titled Staff and 111 service - amazing!
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Karen Akehurst - Posted on 20 July 2024
Yesterday I had to call 111 for my 10 year old daughter. From the call to us leaving Darenth, I could not fault the service provided. Especially when you have a sick child and your in panic mode. Upon speaking to a health adviser at 111, we were referraled within the hour to Urgent care. On arrival at a&e, we flew through the reception check points, both ladies were accommodating and friendly. Within minutes we were at the paediatric emergency ward where we immediately went for observation and checks. My daughter was high fever at this point. Their vibe of all the staff around us was upbeat, friendly and very very comfortable. The Doctor came in during observation and within less that 15mins we had a diagnosis and plan of action. Thank you to all the staff at Darenth. The NHS are very lucky to have you!
Visited Paediatrics services on July 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 22 July 2024
Dear Karen We understand how stressful it can be when a child is unwell, and it’s heartening to know that our staff at Darent Valley Hospital were able to provide you with prompt and compassionate care during such a worrying time. Your kind words about the health adviser at NHS111, the reception staff, and the team at the paediatric emergency ward truly mean a lot to us. We strive to create a welcoming and efficient environment, and it’s wonderful to hear that you felt supported and comforted throughout your visit. Your feedback is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our team, and we will make sure to pass on your appreciation to everyone involved. Thank you again for taking the time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our staff. We are proud to serve our community and are here for you whenever you need us. Wishing your daughter a speedy recovery. Warm regards, Darent Valley Hospital
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Review titled Amazing Experience
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Aidan - Posted on 09 July 2024
I presented myself at the A&E Department here on the advice of a doctor at an Urgent Care Center in the area. Upon arrival I spoke with the nurse and was told to check in. Shortly after (5 minutes) I was called into a room with a nurse for assessment. During the assessment an A&E Consultant come into the room to get a computer, he asked the nurse what my presenting symptoms were, and asked if he could have a look, and told me if it required the surgical team he would make the referral for the morning. Fortunately, in this instance it didn't, the consultant prescribed anti-biotics, and gave me some wound care advice and said if I have any worsening symptoms to return. This is by far the best nhs Experience I had, my case was sufficiently dealt with in under 15-20 minutes. The consultant also answered any questions I had regarding the matter it was great!
Visited Accident and emergency services on July 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 11 July 2024
Dear Aidan Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with our A&E Department. We are delighted to hear that you received prompt and thorough care. Our team strives to provide the best possible service, and it’s wonderful to know that the nurse and consultant were able to address your needs efficiently and effectively. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will be shared with the team to continue motivating them to deliver excellent patient care. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a swift recovery! Darent Valley Hospital
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Review titled Dangerous
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Joe - Posted on 19 July 2024
Had a blood draw today, the female nurse stuck the syringe straight into my tendon then drew 3 vials of blood from it, over 12 hours later I am unable to extend my arm and the area is very sore with swelling👍 really hope this isnt serious
Visited Don't know on July 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 22 July 2024
Dear Joe, We are sorry to hear about your experience during your recent blood draw. Your health and well-being are of the utmost importance to us, and we understand how concerning and uncomfortable this situation must be for you. We would like to discuss this matter with you in more detail and ensure that you receive the appropriate care and follow-up. Please contact us at your earliest convenience so we can address your concerns promptly. You can reach us me directly via email at: dgn-tr.PALS@nhs.net. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are committed to resolving this issue and ensuring your health and safety. Sincerely, Darent Valley Hospital
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Review titled Cancelled appointments
Rated 2 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 21 July 2024
My gynaecologist stated she would like to see me as a 3 month follow-up, this was last November!! My appointment has been cancelled 3 times since, also on short notice. Everyone I know who is under this hospital as an outpatient is always having there appointments cancelled, including my grandad who was due to have his cancer removed by the surgeons, his surgery was cancelled and pushed back to over a month later!! I really think this hospital needs looking into the amount of appointments that are being cancelled and the amount of time that passes until patients are followed-up! This is really not acceptable.
Visited Gynaecology on July 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 22 July 2024
Dear Anonymous, We are sincerely sorry to hear about the repeated cancellations of your follow-up appointments and the distress this has caused. We understand how frustrating and concerning it can be to have your healthcare disrupted, especially when it involves essential follow-up care and critical treatments like your grandfather's cancer surgery. Please know that your feedback is extremely important to us, and we assure you that we are taking your concerns very seriously. The frequency of appointment cancellations and delays is not in line with the standard of care we aim to provide to our patients. To address this issue promptly, we urge you to contact our patient advice and liaison services team directly at dgn-tr.PALS@nhs.net. Additionally, we will look into the broader issues you mentioned regarding outpatient appointment scheduling and work on improving our processes to better serve our patients. Once again, we apologise for the inconvenience and anxiety these cancellations have caused. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We are committed to improving our services and ensuring that you and your grandfather receive the timely and uninterrupted care you need. Kind regards Darent Valley Hospital
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Review titled Fabulous team
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Elizabeth - Posted on 25 June 2024
I spent a week at the hospital - Monday the 17th in isolation in A&E then the rest of the time in Rosewood ward Rm 5 and bed 28. I am in awe of all the amazing people I came into contact with during my time at the hospital. I was treated with respect, care and honesty from the moment I arrived by ambulance to the moment I walked out 1000 times better a week later. Everyone greeted me by my name. Listened. Supported and helped. Fed me, watered me and generally cared for me until the medications were able to let me help myself. I never felt anything other than that everyone had my best interests at heart, and that's not just the skilled doctors but the not so skilled too. I listened to lots of them being abused and harangued by patients and relatives but saw nothing but good nature in return. The way lots of the team cared for those who have no idea where in their worlds they are, made me emotional. An amazing team of people who just kept giving and all the time with the humming sound of laughter and cameraderie in the air. Thank you all, for far more than you realise. You've helped heal body and soul.
Visited General Medicine on June 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 01 July 2024
Dear Elizabeth Thank you so much for your heartfelt and touching message. We are deeply moved by your words and immensely grateful that you took the time to share your experience with us. It's incredibly rewarding to hear that you felt respected, cared for, and supported from the moment you arrived until you left feeling much better. Our team strives to create a welcoming and compassionate environment for all our patients, and knowing that we achieved this for you is truly humbling. We are especially glad that you noticed the dedication and good nature of our staff, even in challenging situations. Your acknowledgment of their hard work and positive attitudes means a lot to us. It's moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. Thank you for highlighting the camaraderie and the spirit of our team. Laughter and unity are indeed part of the healing process, and we are delighted that you felt this during your stay. Wishing you continued health and well-being. Best wishes Darent Valley Hospital
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Review titled Extremely poor practice
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Debbie Walford - Posted on 18 June 2024
My mum was sent from Gravesend hospital for a CT scan on her head after a fall at home. We waited over 2.5 hrs for the results of the scan. My dad and l were told each time we asked at reception how long we would have to wait, that the Dr had logged onto my mums results and we would be seen "in a minute"...we felt like we were being fobbed off with excuses each time. Eventually after these extremely long minutes we were seen in Majors .. Where very conveniently the Dr said oh l was just coming out to call you:..At one point we were told by reception that they were waiting to see if my mum needed to be admitted. But no one had mentioned this to us.When we eventually saw the Dr even he seemed surprised at this news. Also reception sent us down to CT unit and said they would give us the results and the staff down there were surprised that we had been told this. I realise that A &E dept is an extremely busy and stressful place to work and wait. But l have never had a positive experience at this hospital with my late mother in law or my parents...my dad was in A & E last week with a burst varicose vein and l had to ask for a clean bandage to hold dressing on his leg as the staff were going to send him home with the blood stained bandage he had on ...This hospital lacks communication skills and what communications are passed are not shared correctly between staff and patients/ family. The left hand doesn't know what the right hands doing... The parking is another extreme problem as is the dropping off/ picking up area
Visited Accident and emergency services on June 2024
Review titled Darent Valley Hospital
Replied on 01 July 2024
Dear Debbie, We are sorry to hear about your recent experience at Gravesend hospital. It is concerning to learn about the challenges you faced while waiting for your mother's CT scan results and the communication issues that added to your distress. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience and frustration you endured. We understand that waiting for medical results can be a very anxious time, and it is unacceptable that you felt fobbed off and misinformed. Clear and timely communication is essential in providing quality care, and it is clear that we did not meet those standards during your visit. Your feedback regarding the inconsistencies between different departments and the lack of communication among our staff is particularly troubling. This should never happen, and we assure you that we take these issues very seriously. Additionally, the incident involving your father and the inadequate handling of his wound dressing is unacceptable, and we apologise for this oversight. Regarding the parking and drop-off/pick-up areas, we recognise there can be issues and have looked at how this can be improved. To ensure your concerns are investigated and addressed, we urge you to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). They are dedicated to assisting patients and their families with issues like yours and can provide the support needed to formally address these problems. You can reach PALS via email at dgn-tr.PALS@nhs.net . Once again, we are sorry for the negative experiences you and your family have had at Gravesend hospital. We are committed to learning from your feedback and making the necessary improvements to prevent such situations in the future. Sincerely, Darent Valley Hospital
Information supplied by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust