A drinking water restriction remains in place at a hospital, almost one month after problems first began.
The west block of Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, which represents approximately half of the site, has been unable to use water since Tuesday, April 28, due to safety fears.
On May 13, washing facilities were reintroduced after “extensive testing and safety checks”.
However, drinking water from sinks within the hospital is still not permitted. Instead, staff, patients and visitors must drink from water fountains or bottled water.
In an update today (May 27), Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said: “We are currently waiting for the latest microbiology test results before all drinking water outlets in the west block at Darent Valley Hospital can be fully reopened for drinking use.
“Once the results have been received they will be reviewed by the Trust’s Water Safety Group and specialist advisors to confirm whether the water meets safe drinking standards and whether any further testing or additional measures are needed in specific areas.
“Until this process is complete, restrictions on drinking water taps in the west block remain in place.
“Bottled water continues to be available throughout the affected areas, and there are safe drinking water outlets available across the rest of the hospital.”
The Trust said the issue arose from an internal fault within the hospital heating system, “which led to potential contamination of the hot and cold water network”.
It was then declared a critical incident, with patients and staff told not to drink or use tap water for washing.
The initial problem was escalated by the facilities contractor to hospital management on April 28, with the safety notice issued publicly the day after on Wednesday, April 29.
From here, bottled water was made available, and alternative handwashing facilities were introduced.
Earlier this month, the UK’s largest union, UNISON, claimed caterers, cleaners and housekeepers are “battling” to provide services due to the lack of functioning facilities.
It warned that this is “presenting risks to patients” and claims the situation has “intensified pressures” that have been building up in the hospital.
It’s prompted the town’s MP Jim Dickson to get involved, who said the issue at Kent’s second lowest ranked hospital, was “fast becoming an urgent situation”.
