Volunteers
Do you want to become a volunteer at Darent Valley Hospital, for full details visit our volunteering webpage and complete the online form.
Governors and members
The Trust has elected governors and members. If you would like to become a member simply complete the online form.
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)
PPI is not just about structures it is a cultural change. It is about empowering patients and the public to have a say and about people in the NHS working differently and listening to and acting upon the views of patients and the public. Patient and public involvement improves patients experiences of the NHS.
Department of Health
Since 1st January 2003 all NHS bodies have had a legal duty to involve and consult the public. Section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act (2001) places the statutory duty on all NHS organisations to involve and consult patients and the public in the planning of service provision, the development of proposals for change and decisions about how services operate. The aim of this duty is to increase patient centred care and improve patients experience of the services they receive. Patients must be given the opportunity to influence the outcome of a change in health services.
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust has its own Patient and Public Involvement Strategy, outlining its commitment to involving and consulting patients and other service users. It is the aim of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust to provide a consistent and fair approach to patient and user involvement at all levels in everyday service planning, delivery and development.
Kent LINk
From the 1st April 2008 Patient Forums have been disbanded and are replaced by KENT LINk. For more information on the Kent and Medway 'LINk' visit http://www.thekentlink.co.uk/.
Trust Community Engagement Group
The Trust has a community engagement group to provide transitional support as these new bodies establish themselves.