A brand new multi-million pound hospital ward is set to see the loss of parking spaces for patients and staff.

But bosses at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford say plans are already in place to recoup the parking lost for the new £7.4m state-of-the-art facility.

The ward, which was confirmed last week, will house 18 beds treating all patients but it will lead to the loss of 10 parking spaces in the hospital grounds.

Carolyn Lewis, director of estates, facilities and capital at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust (DGT) says it is being built "specifically with infectious patients in mind" and will feature the latest technology to help staff care for patients.

This will include patients with Covid-19 or other infectious diseases, the trust says.

Ms Lewis added: "This is an exciting time to be constructing a purpose built new 18 bed ward at Darent Valley Hospital.

"The new ward, yet to be named will accommodate a wide range of patients and their specific needs.

"It is also flexible enough that it can care for any type of patient if, and when required.

"The new ward offers both patients and staff a safe and comfortable environment located at the east end of the hospital.”

Each room will also have a special observation point for staff to ensure patients are comfortable and safe.

Work on the new unit has already started with construction planned to be completed by December.

The ward will have single rooms all with en-suite facilities, increasing its existing capacity from 463 beds.

Proposals for the ward have been approved under an emergency planning application following consultation between the hospital and Dartford council planning officers.

Money for the project is being provided by the central NHS fund which is allocated to the Kent and Medway integrated care system.

Plans to replace the loss of the parking spaces is being investigated by DGT after the current parking area had to be reconfigured to make space for the new ward.

The trust says it also has plans to build a new endoscopy suite at Darent Valley.

The new ward is being built at the eastern end of the hospital next to Cherry ward and will see demolition of the building known as the Bungalow.

The L-shaped building will be connected to the main hospital by a new corridor.

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Read more: All the latest news from Dartford