Facilities

Telephones

The bedside entertainment service is available for you to make phone calls from your bed.

Mobile phones are not permitted in certain areas of the hospital including all  wards.  They can only be used in the main hospital corridors, the main entrance or outside of the hospital buildings. Mobile phones are also not permitted to take photographs within the hospital in any areas.

All patients have a right to privacy, so please do not use camera-phones to take pictures in the hospital. There are payphones around the hospital should you need to make a call.

Television

Hospedia bedside entertainment is provided.

Radio

Broadcasting on channel 1 to the patients and staff at Darent Valley Hospital.  You can find out more about us, send a request, publicise an event or arrange a PA by contacting Valley Park Radio directly on our 24 hour phone line 01322 428362 or text us with VPR +YR MSG on 87220*

The radio stations always welcome new volunteers, whether you have previous experience or not. If you are over 16, enthusiastic and have an interest in radio and voluntary work, why not e-mail the Chairman, Neil White on chairman@valleyparkradio.org.uk or visit their website at http://www.valleyparkradio.org.uk/.  *Txts cost 25p + your normal text charges. Please ask permission of bill payer.

Where to eat

There are eating facilities in the hospital's main entrance and in the Level One resturant located on level 1 - these are available for both staff, patients or visitors. 

Level One servse a variety of hot and cold meals, baguettes, rolls, pastries, cakes and hot and cold drinks every day. An eat-in or takeaway service is available. Free Wi fi is available in the Level One restaurant.

Toujours in the hospital's main entrance offers a range of hot and cold drinks, baguettes and pastries.

Shops

In the hospital main entrance there are the following commercial premises:

Also available are:  a hearing loop, public telephones, a Royal Mail postbox, a LINKS cash machine and an Hospedia TV/phone card vending machine.

Chaplaincy

There is an interdenominational chaplaincy team available for everyone in the hospital. The hospital chapel is on level 1 and open at all times for patients and staff as a place of quietness, prayer and worship. Regular services are held in the chapel each week.

Smoking

There is a no smoking policy - patients and visitors may only smoke in designated outside areas (a smoking shelter is located near the bus stops by the main hospital entrance). Please ask the ward staff to direct you.

Toilets/baby changing facilities

Public toilets, baby changing and facilities for the disabled, are available in:

• Main entrance,
• Children's department .

Some wards and departments have their own public toilets. Please ask a member of staff for directions.

Disabled parking

Parking is £1 per vist for valid Blue Badge holders.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available in the main entrance for a £1 returnable deposit.