Darent Valley Hospital Visiting Times are generally from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, with a pause during patient meal breaks. Visitors are encouraged to check directly with specific wards for the most accurate details, particularly for children’s, maternity, or specialist units.
Planning a hospital visit can be overwhelming, especially when navigating changing health policies and time restrictions. Whether you’re seeing a loved one on an adult ward or supporting a child during their recovery, knowing the exact visiting hours and rules ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.
In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Darent Valley Hospital’s current visiting times, paediatric and maternity ward access, COVID-19 protocols, and how to contact the right department.
Based on real-time NHS updates and verified trust guidance, this article gives you the clarity and confidence to plan your hospital visit properly.
Darent Valley Hospital Visiting Times
Standard Adult Ward Hours
Darent Valley Hospital’s general adult ward visiting times run daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. This generous time window allows flexibility for working visitors and those travelling from outside Dartford. Each patient is typically allowed up to two visitors at a time, though some wards may make individual exceptions.
It’s important to arrive slightly before visiting closes to allow adequate time with your loved one. Always check with the specific ward before your visit, especially if you plan to come later in the evening or during potential high-risk periods, such as flu outbreaks.
Visitors are expected to respect the quiet and recovery of all patients. Mobile phone use is restricted to designated areas, and hospital staff may limit access if patient needs or infection control demands require it.
Using the main hospital entrance, signage clearly points towards adult wards often located on levels 1 and 2 of the main building.
Meal Time Restrictions and Breaks
To support patient nutrition and recovery, visiting is paused during main meal times, typically:
- Lunch: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Dinner: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
During these periods, patients are encouraged to eat and rest without interruptions. If you’re on-site before mealtime, staff may ask you to temporarily step out of the room.
In some cases, especially for elderly patients or those with support needs, carers or family members may be permitted to remain during meals subject to staff discretion.
These breaks are essential for maintaining dignity, infection control, and optimal care outcomes.
Weekend & Holiday Visiting
Darent Valley Hospital maintains the same standard visiting hours on weekends and bank holidays 11:00 am to 8:00 pm unless otherwise stated by the ward. However, visitors are encouraged to phone ahead during public holidays, as some departments may operate modified timetables due to reduced staffing or patient care schedules.
Weekends can often be busier than weekdays, especially during visiting hours in high-occupancy wards. To avoid crowding, the hospital may stagger visiting access or ask guests to limit time at the bedside.
During holiday seasons (such as Easter or Christmas), additional infection control measures may apply. These can include visitor temperature checks, limits to one person per bed, or shortened durations depending on health guidance from the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.
To ensure a smooth visit, always confirm visiting times and protocols directly with the relevant ward before attending on holidays or busy weekends.
Visiting Children’s Wards
Rules for Parents and Siblings
Visiting a child in hospital can be an emotional experience, and Darent Valley Hospital aims to make it as comforting as possible.
For paediatric patients, one parent or guardian is usually permitted to stay with the child 24/7, especially in longer-stay scenarios. Additionally, one sibling or another close family member may be allowed during general visiting hours.
However, it’s important to note that only one adult and one child are allowed at the bedside at any one time. This rule is designed to reduce foot traffic and maintain a calm, healing environment for all young patients.
Sibling visits are typically supervised, and children must be free from symptoms of illness to be permitted into clinical areas.
Parents are encouraged to speak with the nurse in charge if they wish to arrange special visits, such as during a child’s birthday or when multiple family members wish to visit briefly.
Visiting Hours for Paediatric Units
While general hospital visiting times are 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, children’s wards may offer more flexible arrangements depending on the patient’s needs. Parents or guardians often have unrestricted access throughout the day and night, with fold-out beds or reclining chairs available beside the child’s bed.
Other visitors such as friends or extended family should adhere to the standard daytime hours and are advised to call ahead. In some cases, the ward may schedule visits to prevent crowding and maintain infection control standards.
During peak flu seasons or if there’s a local outbreak, stricter limits may be applied. Always check with paediatric staff to confirm the latest visiting protocols before arriving.
Maternity and Special Wards
Labour and Delivery Ward Policies
Darent Valley Hospital’s maternity unit is designed to support birthing people and their families through a calm and safe experience. Birth partners are allowed 24/7 access while the mother is in labour. Once in established labour or admitted to the delivery suite, the named birth partner can remain by the patient’s side throughout.
Only one birth partner is permitted at a time unless special circumstances are agreed upon in advance with the midwifery team. This helps maintain patient safety, dignity, and sufficient space for care provision.
Visitors outside the designated partner should wait until the patient is transferred to the postnatal ward before visiting.
Postnatal Visiting Rules
Following delivery, visiting rules on the postnatal ward are slightly more structured. Typically, the birth partner can visit between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm, with breaks during mealtimes. Additional visitors, including siblings, may be allowed during designated hours, usually in the afternoon (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm), though this is subject to change.
Children must be well and accompanied by an adult at all times. Noise and activity should be kept to a minimum to respect resting mothers and newborns.
Women recovering from caesareans or complex births may require additional privacy, so the midwifery team may stagger visits accordingly.
Visiting Intensive Care and High Dependency Units
Visiting policies for Intensive Care Units (ICU) and High Dependency Units (HDU) at Darent Valley Hospital are more restricted due to the complex nature of care. Visits are typically arranged on a case-by-case basis, depending on the patient’s condition and consultant advice.
Usually, visits are limited to close family members and kept short to reduce disruption to care. Visitors may need to wear gowns, masks, or gloves, and must strictly follow hygiene protocols.
For ICU or HDU visits, it’s essential to phone the ward in advance. Visiting outside regular hours is sometimes allowed under compassionate grounds, such as end-of-life situations.
COVID-19 and Infection Control Measures
Mask Guidance and Hand Hygiene
While many COVID-19 restrictions have eased, Darent Valley Hospital continues to uphold strict infection control measures. Visitors are generally encouraged to wear face coverings in clinical areas, especially in wards treating vulnerable or immunocompromised patients.
Hand sanitisation stations are available at all hospital entrances, ward doors, and patient bays. Visitors must sanitise hands on arrival and departure. Wearing a mask is particularly expected in high-risk zones, such as ICUs or respiratory wards.
If you forget to bring a mask, one is usually provided at reception or the ward entrance. Visitors with respiratory symptoms are asked not to attend and may be offered a virtual visit alternative.
Visiting with Symptoms or Illness
Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19, flu, norovirus, or other contagious illnesses should not visit the hospital under any circumstance. This includes fever, coughing, diarrhoea, or vomiting even if mild.
Darent Valley Hospital prioritises patient safety, so visitors may be turned away if unwell or if there’s a risk to others. In such cases, you’re advised to wait 48 hours after symptoms clear before attending.
In outbreak situations, the hospital may temporarily suspend visiting for certain wards or reduce the number of allowed visitors. These decisions follow NHS Trust and Public Health England guidance.
Alternative Options
For those unable to attend in person, Darent Valley Hospital supports virtual visiting, especially for long-stay or high-risk patients. Tablets or bedside phones may be used to arrange short calls via Zoom, FaceTime, or other secure platforms.
To arrange a virtual visit, contact the ward reception or patient experience team. This option is ideal for family living overseas, isolating due to illness, or unable to travel.
The hospital team will coordinate timings and help facilitate the call to ensure the patient is comfortable and prepared.
Contact, Parking & Accessibility Info
Hospital Address and Map
Darent Valley Hospital is located at: Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, Kent, DA2 8DA
Situated just off the M25 and A2, the hospital is easy to access by car and public transport. Signage to the hospital is clearly marked from major roads, and the entrance is well identified for both pedestrians and drivers.
You can view a full map of the hospital grounds on the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust website.
Parking for Visitors
Visitor parking is available on-site and operates via pay-and-display or pay-on-exit systems. Blue Badge spaces are reserved near main entrances. Standard parking charges apply and are usually tiered by the hour.
For those attending frequently (e.g. parents of long-stay children or carers), concessionary parking may be available. You should speak to ward staff for eligibility and how to apply.
Motorbike bays and limited cycle parking are also available close to the hospital’s main entrance.
How to Contact the Right Ward
To confirm visiting times, contact the hospital directly at:
- Switchboard: 01322 428100
You can ask to be connected to a specific ward, or to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for guidance. It’s advisable to call ahead before visiting, especially if attending a maternity, intensive care, or specialist unit.
Ward-specific phone numbers and visiting updates can also be found via the Trust’s ward directory.
Conclusion
Darent Valley Hospital visiting times are generally 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, with a break during meals and some flexibility for maternity, paediatric, and intensive care units.
From birth partners and siblings to compassionate ICU visits, each ward follows its own set of guidelines to ensure patient safety and comfort.
To avoid disappointment, always check with the ward directly before travelling particularly on weekends, public holidays, or during periods of infection control.
Whether you’re supporting a loved one in recovery or saying hello to a new arrival, being informed about hospital policies helps make your visit smooth and stress-free.
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