Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 8DA

• Contact details
  • Antenatal Clinic - 01322 428190 (Monday - Friday 08.30 - 16.30 except Bank Holidays).
  • Cedar Ward - 01322 428671 / 01322 428100 ext 8936
  • Maternity Reception - 01322 428275/428277
  • Community Midwifery Office - 01322 428753(Monday - Friday 09.00 - 15.30 hrs Bank Holidays, Weekends and "Out of Hours" phone Delivery Suite).
  
  
• Disabled Facilities
  The hospital is well equipped with designated disabled parking areas and wheelchair access to all hospital wards and facilities. Drop off and wheelchair/porter services are available on request (main reception area). Note: Free car parking is available for disabled drivers who hold blue badges (take your ticket to the car park office for validation).
  
  
• Interpreting Services
  The hospital can provide interpreting services in a variety of languages on request however this service would require advance notice.
  
  
• Antenatal Classes
  Parentcraft Classes are provided by the Community Midwives, both in the Hospital setting and the Community throughout the Dartford, Swanley and Gravesend areas.
  
  
• Birthing Pools
  Two birthing pools are available for use, one "fixed pool" for use in the Hospital and one "portable pool" for use in the Community. There is a small charge of £50 for the portable pool; this covers the cost of a liner and tubing necessary for the delivery.
  We have some staff trained in "Water births" within both the Community and Hospital setting and are currently in the process of training more staff in this technique.
  
  
• Epidural
  There is a twenty-hour epidural and low dose epidural pain-relief service.
  
  
• Midwifery Led Care
  The hospital provides an option for midwifery led care. Note: We do not currently have a separate unit for low-risk women.
  
  
• Hospital Protocols
  There are explicit protocols in place for dealing with specific issues such as previous Caesarean Sections.
  
  
• Bathroom Facilities (Labour Rooms)
  All Delivery rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities except the two-bedded Recovery Room.
  
  
• Postnatal Bathroom/Toilet Facilities
  Provision is made in the following ratios:
  Bathroom/Shower: 1 per 4 patients. Toilets: 1 per 3 patients
  
  
• Visiting Times & Restrictions
  Husbands, Partners or A Nominated Person only are welcomed to visit from 09.00 to 12.00 hours and 14:00 to 21:00 hours. All other visitors are welcomed at 14:00 to 16:00 hours & 19:00 to 20:30 hours. Patients' own children may visit and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We ask that only two visitors per patient are present at any one time in the interest of safety.
  Please note: There are no waiting areas or visiting facilities on Delivery Suite. We welcome 'birthing partners' any time and ask that a maximum of two birthing partners are present for security/safety reasons.
  
  
• Security
  The Maternity Unit operates a 'restricted access' security system with all wards accessible by 'intercom access' only. Addition security measures include an electronic baby 'tagging' system and CCTV throughout the hospital/wards.
  
  
• Travel/Transport/Parking
  Darent Valley Hospital is situated within easy reach of the A2, M25 and Dartford Crossing and ample parking is provided for visitors. In addition, the hospital is well serviced by Public Transport with many direct bus services to/from local areas (Bexleyheath, Dartford, Erith, Swanley, Gravesend, etc.).
  Note: Dartford & Greenhithe railway stations are located a short taxi drive away (or Bus from Dartford).

This page has been written for BirthChoiceUK by Darent Valley Hospital.