Darent Valley Hospital (DVH)

13/11/2025

Resident doctors’ industrial action: Friday 14 to Wednesday 19 November

The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that resident doctors in England will be taking industrial action for five consecutive days, from 7am Friday 14 November to 7am Wednesday 19 November.

We’re working hard to make sure patient care continues safely throughout this period.

• If you have an appointment, please attend as planned unless we contact you to reschedule.

• People who need urgent or emergency care should continue to come forward as normal.

• For non-emergencies, use NHS 111 online or call 111.

• Call 999 in life-threatening situations only.

👉 For more information on when to use 999 or visit A&E, see https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/

👉 For local updates, Trust-specific information, and FAQs, visit https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/resident-doctors-set-strike-7am-friday-14-november-7am-wednesday-19-november

12/11/2025

Views About Vaccinations: Vaccines: Tell us what you think

NHS Kent and Medway would like to hear your views about vaccinations.

Vaccines are vital for protecting the population of Kent and Medway; vaccines are the best defence we have against several diseases.

Many people are eligible for vaccinations across Kent and Medway, including:
• babies, children and teenagers
• pregnant women
• people aged 65 and over
• people in ‘at risk’ groups.

We would like to know if the information provided to you about vaccines has allowed you to make an informed decision.

We would also like to hear from you if you are or your child(ren) are eligible for vaccines but have not yet been vaccinated.

Take part in our survey by Monday, 27 October and share your views about vaccinations.

👉 Take part here: https://www.haveyoursayinkentandmedway.co.uk/vaccines

Find more information about vaccines and check your eligibility at www.GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk

Make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations.

12/11/2025

📣Upcoming pop-up community vaccine clinics for over 65s📣

In addition to GP practices and pharmacies, pop-up clinics are being held in familiar, accessible venues such as churches, sports centres and community centres across Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.

Residents aged over 65 and over are now able to book or drop in to the following locations on selected dates:

📍Dartford:

• Crossways Community Lounge, (Crossways Community Church), Darent Suite, Acacia Hall, Dartford, DA11DJ (Crossways Community Church) - Wednesday 12th November - [10am-2:30pm]

👉 More pop-up community clinics will be announced soon, please check Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust’s website for updates: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/pop-vaccine-clinics-launching-across-dartford-gravesham-and-swanley-make-it-easier-over-65s-get-protected-winter

🚶‍♂️ Please contact the venues to book a slot, alternatively, you can walk in on the day

Alternatively, you can book a slot at a GP practice or pharmacy in the usual way online at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services or by calling 119.

Getting vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalisation this winter. If you’re aged 65 or over, don’t wait, now is the time to protect yourself.

10/11/2025

💙 Stay Protected 💙

Seasonal flu is very common and highly infectious. It can be much more severe than the common cold.

For some at-risk groups (especially frail elderly people and individuals with certain health conditions), flu can be very dangerous. The flu vaccine is seasonal, usually starting in September/October.

If you are eligible for the Covid-19 and flu vaccines you can access these via your GP practice or at a local pharmacy.

You will receive an invite letter or text for the Covid-19 vaccine, which will include details of how to book using the national booking system: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

For more information on the flu jab and other vaccinations, please visit: https://www.getvaccinatednow.co.uk/65-and-over

09/11/2025

✨Flu Jab - Myth vs Fact ✨

❌ MYTH: Healthy older people don’t need the jab

✅ FACT: Even healthy adults over 65 are at higher risk of pneumonia, hospital admission, or death from flu. Vaccination lowers this risk

______________________________

💡Did you know, if you're aged 65 and over and live in Dartford, Gravesham or Swanley, you can drop in at a local community pop up vaccination clinic to have your free flu jab?

👉 View the list of locations here - it's always being updated: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/pop-vaccine-clinics-launching-across-dartford-gravesham-and-swanley-make-it-easier-over-65s-get-protected-winter

👩‍⚕️Alternatively, you can book your slot at a GP practice or pharmacy in the usual way online at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services or by calling 119.

💙 The flu jab could protect you from serious illness this winter

07/11/2025

Congratulations to Petula Govinder (pictured front middle), who was recently awarded a Silver STAR Award!

Petula was nominated by The Respiratory Team and Dr Burhan Khan, who said:

"During a particularly challenging and prolonged period of staffing shortages within the department, Petula Govinder has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, commitment, and teamwork. She managed an increased workload with diligence, efficiency, and calm, ensuring the smooth running of our service and maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
Petula readily offered support to colleagues, shared her expertise, and maintained a positive and collaborative attitude, which had a notable impact on overall team morale. Her resilience, adaptability, and initiative were evident as she often anticipated departmental needs and addressed them proactively. Her conduct exemplifies the values of our organisation and has been instrumental in helping the department continue to deliver timely and safe patient care.

Petula is our Trust Values personified and continues to be an invaluable member of the Respiratory Department."

Well done, Petula!

07/11/2025

You are warmly invited to the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust Maternity and Neonatal Improvement Event, in partnership with the North Kent Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP). Whether you’ve had a baby recently, are expecting, or have used local maternity or neonatal services in the past, your experiences can help us make care better for every family in our community.

Date: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Time: 9:30–14:30
Location: Eastgate Community Centre, 141 Springhead Parkway, Gravesend DA11 8AD

We want to hear from you! Your experiences, ideas, and feedback are vital in shaping the future of maternity and neonatal care. This is a chance to share what works well and what could be even better for women, families and babies in our community.

Please book your place on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maternity-and-neonatal-improvement-event-tickets-1781460629699?aff=oddtdtcreator
We look forward to welcoming you.