Dartford, Kent — 5 May 2026

Darent Valley Hospital has implemented major incident response arrangements after a water supply fault in its west block has left patients, staff and visitors without safe tap water for a seventh day, according to the trust’s official statement.

The issue, which began on 28 April, affects approximately half the hospital site and stems from an internal fault within the hospital’s heating system. This led to potential contamination of the hot and cold water network, prompting an immediate isolation of the affected supply.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust has issued a water safety notice across the west block. Patients, visitors and staff have been told not to drink from the taps or use the water for washing in the restricted areas, which are clearly signposted. Toilets remain fully operational throughout the hospital.

Trust Response and Repair Status

Alternative arrangements are in place, including the provision of bottled water and additional handwashing facilities. The trust has confirmed that the rest of the hospital — including surgical services, intensive care, radiology, most outpatient areas, the main entrance, and catering and cleaning services — has a safe, unaffected water supply.

A trust spokesperson said:

When an issue occurred with the hospital’s water supply that could have compromised water quality, the west block water supply was immediately isolated and repairs were undertaken. While the repair work has now been completed, the water supply cannot return to normal use until all required safety assurance processes have been completed and the supply has been confirmed as safe. The affected system is currently undergoing flushing of pipework and detailed laboratory testing to ensure the water is safe for drinking and washing.

The trust added: “We understand the frustration and inconvenience this is causing. Please be assured that we are treating this with the utmost seriousness and will return the affected areas to normal use once all required assurance checks have been completed. The hospital remains open and fully operational.”

Detailed laboratory test results are not expected until the end of this week at the earliest (9 May), meaning restrictions could remain in place for at least another four days.

Impact on Staff and Patients

Staff have described working conditions as “incredibly difficult” due to limited access to running water. Nurses have reported relying on wet wipes for patient care and struggling with hygiene and cleaning tasks. One patient who discharged herself from Linden Ward described the situation as “horrendous” but praised the care she received.

Cess Wigley, Royal College of Nursing senior regional officer, said:

Nurses are highly skilled professionals that will always persevere to ensure patients are looked after to the best of their ability. With the restricted access to water, nurses are managing as best they can within the limitations that are in place.

Political Response

Dartford MP Jim Dickson (Lab) has raised concerns directly with the trust after receiving messages from constituents about delays in bottled water distribution and compromised patient hygiene. He said:

It’s quite a serious situation. I don’t want to see patient safety or comfort compromised in any way. We need to learn from what’s happened to ensure that it can’t happen again.

The trust has “sincerely apologised” to everyone affected and stressed that patient safety remains the priority.

This is an internal hospital issue and is unrelated to the wider South East Water supply problems that affected thousands of homes in Kent earlier in the year.

The hospital continues to urge anyone attending for appointments or visiting to follow the signage and ask staff for guidance on safe water access.

Updates will be posted as soon as test results are received and restrictions are lifted. For the latest official advice, check the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust website or contact the hospital directly.

Sources

  • Darent Valley Hospital — official water safety notice (Facebook, 28 April 2026)
  • Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust — statement issued via the trust’s communications team
  • Royal College of Nursing — statement from senior regional officer Cess Wigley
  • Statement from Jim Dickson MP (Labour, Dartford)