Hospital closes
Patients to Darent Valley Hospital were turned away
yesterday after it closed having reached full capacity.
NHS bosses says it was closed to new admissions for
six-and-a-half hours.
It remained open to children and people visiting A&E on foot
and anyone in immediate need of emergency help would be seen.
Ambulance crews were instructed to take emergency patients to
other hospitals.
Dr David Woodhead, Clinical Accountable Officer for Dartford,
Gravesham and Swanley Clinical Commissioning Group said: “This is
the busiest time of year for the NHS and Darent Valley Hospital
reached its full capacity.
"The hospital therefore had to close for a short time until beds
became available.
“Throughout the short closure, which lasted from 5am until
11.30am, we liaised closely with all our partners at other
hospitals in the region, the ambulance service, Kent County Council
and GP surgeries to manage the current demand
effectively.
“It is important to keep A&E departments free for those with
life-threatening and serious illness and injuries, so if you are
feeling unwell or need treatment for a minor injury or illness,
please contact your GP, NHS Direct, local pharmacist or visit one
of our NHS walk-in or minor injury centres.”
04/01/13
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